UBT netas ask Speaker for early ruling in MLAs’ case

MUMBAI: Two weeks after the SC order on pleas for disqualification of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs, a delegation of Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators on Thursday submitted a memorandum to assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar demanding that he expedite the process for disqualification of 16 rebel MLAs and take a decision at the earliest.
“We had earlier given a letter to deputy speaker Narhari Zirwal as the Speaker was not available. We have urged him to start the hearings for disqualification at the earliest. We had a positive discussion. The Speaker has to decide the timeframe. He has told us he will carry out the process at the earliest,” said Sena (UBT)’s Ambadas Danve, opposition leader in the legislative council.
Asked about possible cabinet expansion, Danve said the two issues were separate. “The SC has asked the Speaker to decide, he is a lawyer and we believe he will take a decision at the earliest,” Danve said. Meanwhile, Narwekar was in New Delhi on Wednesday. This was his first visit after the SC order. While there was speculation that he met Union home minister Amit Shah and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Narwekar said there was no political meeting.