Uddhav faction moves SC, challenges Speaker's order to replace Shiv Sena chief whip

The Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena had moved the Supreme Court against order of new Maha Speaker Rahul Narwekar recognising new party whip of rebel Shiv Sena MLAs led by CM.

In a major blow to the Uddhav Thackeray faction a day before the crucial trust vote of the Eknath Shinde-BJP government, the newly-appointed speaker of the Maharashtra Assembly on Sunday night removed Shiv Sena MLA Ajay Chaudhary as the legislative party leader.

A letter issued by the office of Speaker Rahul Narvekar reinstates Shinde as the Shiv Sena's legislative party leader and also recognises the appointment of Bharat Gogawale from the Shinde camp as the chief whip of the Sena, removing Sunil Prabhu, who belongs to the Thackeray faction.

Also watch: Maharashtra floor test: boost for new govt, Speaker reinstates Shinde as Sena legislative party leader

The SC will hear on July 11 fresh plea of Uddhav faction against Speaker's decision.