The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over his recent remarks in the Legislative Council, asserting that no authority supersedes the Constitution, reported news agency IANS.
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party described Fadnavis’ stance as politically convenient and accused the ruling alliance of adopting contradictory positions depending on circumstances.
Remarks in Council Spark Political Controversy
The controversy erupted after Fadnavis stated in the Legislative Council that directives issued by the Speaker or Chairperson cannot be considered absolute or final. His remarks triggered a political debate, with the opposition questioning the consistency of the government’s approach toward institutional authority.
The editorial argued that such statements undermine the sanctity of constitutional positions and raised concerns over selective interpretation of institutional powers, reported IANS.
Satara Incident and Suspension Row
The party linked the issue to a recent political dispute in Satara involving members of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction over the Zilla Parishad presidency.
According to the editorial, tensions escalated during the incident, with allegations that the police favoured one side. The situation reportedly led to a confrontation involving state minister Shambhuraj Desai, reported IANS.
Following the episode, Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe directed the suspension of Satara Superintendent of Police Tushar Doshi. However, the Chief Minister declined to enforce the directive, maintaining that executive authority rests with the government and that such directions are not binding, reported IANS.
Opposition Flags ‘Double Standards’
The Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the current stance contradicts the ruling coalition’s earlier position on institutional decisions.
The editorial recalled the January 10, 2024, ruling delivered by Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar on disqualification petitions related to party defections. The decision had upheld the legitimacy of the faction led by Eknath Shinde and rejected pleas seeking disqualification of several legislators, reported IANS.
At the time, the ruling alliance had welcomed the verdict, calling it legally sound and historic. The editorial pointed out that no questions were raised then about whether the Speaker’s decision was final or subject to executive interpretation.
Constitution Above All, Says Editorial
Reiterating its position, the party emphasised that in a democratic system, no individual or office holds absolute authority. It argued that all decisions—whether by the legislature, executive, or judiciary—remain open to scrutiny and review under the framework of the Constitution, reported IANS.
The editorial concluded that the Constitution alone represents the ultimate guiding authority in governance and public life, urging consistency in upholding democratic principles.
(With inputs from IANS)
