New Delhi: Amid the escalating political crisis in Maharashtra triggered by Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde’s rebellion, prohibitory orders have been strictly enforced in Mumbai to avoid any untoward incident. The police have banned the assembly of five or more persons and enhanced security at the offices and residences of ministers, various elected representatives and top leaders of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, news agency IANS reported. This comes after Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Pandey conducted a review in view of the present situation.
The orders have been extended till July 10 under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in the country’s financial capital.
The orders issued earlier on June 3 ahead of the biennial elections to the Rajya Sabha and Maharashtra legislative council are being implemented in full force.
Several cities, including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Nashik, Kolhapur, Satara and Parbhani, have witnessed incidents of violence in the past couple of days by the Shiv Sena workers protesting at their party MLAs joining the rebel group.
The police have also banned erecting objectionable banners or hoardings targeting the rebel legislators to prevent inciting public passions, especially rival political workers.
The processions like weddings, funerals, etc. have, however, been kept out of the purview of the prohibitory orders issued by the police.
Earlier in the day, the rebel MLAs led by Shinde named their group as ‘Shiv Sena Balasaheb’ at a meeting held in Assam’s Guwahati.
Maharashtra Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal has issued disqualification notice to the 16 rebel Shiv Sena MLAs.