Neelam Gorhe hasn’t changed parties, can continue as dy chairperson: Devendra Fadnavis

Fadnavis’s reaction came a day after the Shiv Sena UBT faction sought her disqualification as the deputy chairperson, following her move to switch over from the Sena (UBT).

Fadnavis said, “There has been no change in her party. She was and is with Shiv Sena. Hence there is no switch in parties.(Photo/TWITTER/@Dev_Fadnavis)

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Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that Neelam Gorhe can continue as the deputy chairperson of the State Legislative Council as she had not switched parties.

“She was and is with Shiv Sena,” Fadnavis said, speaking at the Legislative Council on the second day of the Monsoon Session of Maharashtra Assembly. Fadnavis’s reaction came a day after the Shiv Sena UBT faction sought her disqualification as the deputy chairperson, following her move to switch over from the Sena (UBT) to rival Sena faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Due to the uproar on Monday, the council had to be adjourned following which Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders met Governor Ramesh Bais complaining about the issue.

विधानपरिषदेच्या उपसभापती डॉ. नीलमताई गोऱ्हे या प्रारंभीपासूनच शिवसेनेच्या सदस्या आहेत आणि आजही शिवसेना सदस्य आहेत. मूळ शिवसेना कोणती हे आता निवडणूक आयोगाने स्पष्ट केले आहे. त्यामुळे त्यांच्या निर्हर्तेचा प्रश्न निर्माण होत नाही.
घटनेच्या दहाव्या शेड्युलमध्ये सुद्धा याचे दाखले… pic.twitter.com/En7vvH4yFf

— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 18, 2023

The Tuesday’s discussion was overseen by presiding officer Niranjan Davkhare.

Responding to allegations of impropriety in Gorhe continuing as deputy chairperson, Fadnavis said, “There has been no change in her party. She was and is with Shiv Sena. Hence there is no switch in parties. The Election Commission has given the Shiv Sena party and symbol to Eknath Shinde who is the Shiv Sena leader.”

“One has to keep in mind that the disqualification part of the dispute regarding which the Speaker has to decide is about MLAs who had switched prior to EC’s decision in favour of Shinde. Thus Gorhe’s party has not changed and I feel those remaining MLAs (those with Shiv Sena UBT) should come to original political party,” he added.

Also Read | Oppn walks out from State Legislative Council, demand Neelam Gorhe step down from Dy Chairperson post

Earlier Satej Patil of Congress read out a tweet by Shinde in which he welcomed Neelam Gorhe to the Shiv Sena party. Patil said that if she had not changed parties, why did the CM welcome her in the new party. Apart from Patil, Sena UBT’s Anil Parab and Ambadas Danve argued that Gorhe could no longer continue as the deputy chairperson as her disqualification, along with that of two leaders who switched from Sena UBT to Shinde Sena, was being sought by them.

Addressing the presiding officer, Fadnavis said, “You have heard both sides and you can take a decision you deem suitable.”

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Davkhare said, “There is no precedent of such an issue and hence a committee can be formed to look into the issue.”

Fadnavis told Davkhare, “ You can give a ruling after taking some time.” Davkhare then said he would give a ruling post lunch, but no decision was taken till end of day.

Mohamed Thaver

Mohamed Thaver is a highly specialized journalist with the Expertise and Authority required to report on complex law enforcement and legal issues. With a career dedicated to the crime beat for over a decade, his work provides readers with informed and trustworthy insights into Maharashtra's security and justice systems. Experience & Authority Core Focus: Has been exclusively covering the crime beat for over a decade, building deep, specialized knowledge in the field. Geographical Authority: Currently focuses heavily on law enforcement and policy in Maharashtra, providing authoritative coverage of the state's security apparatus. Key Beats: Law Enforcement: Reports on the operations of the Maharashtra Police and the Mumbai Crime Branch. Policy & Administration: Covers the Maharashtra Home Department, focusing on policy matters related to handling law and order and the evolution of the police force. Judiciary: Has significant past experience covering the courts, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the entire criminal justice process from investigation to verdict. Specialized Interest (Cyber & Forensics): Demonstrates Expertise in modern investigative techniques, with a keen focus on cyber crime and forensics, reporting on how these technologies assist complex crime investigations. Content Focus: His reports revolve around police probes, the evolution of the force, and state policy, ensuring his content is highly relevant and detailed. Credentials & Trustworthiness Mohamed Thaver’s long-standing specialization in the crime beat—combined with his focus on technological aspects like cyber crime and his direct coverage of major institutions like the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Maharashtra Home Department—underscores his Trustworthiness and status as an expert source for detailed and reliable journalism on law and order. He tweets @thaver_mohamed ... Read More

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