Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde claims support of 40 MLAs

Amid conflicting reports about the numbers of MLAs who are supporting him, rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde has claimed that 40 MLAs are with him at a hotel in Guwahati.

Shinde, who arrived at the Guwahati airport, spoke to reporters for the first time since his decision to rebel against his own party.

On late Monday night, Shinde had left Mumbai with several Sena MLAs and stayed at a hotel in Gujarat's Surat city.

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However, after holding talks with BJP leaders, he decided to shift to Guwahati.

Speaking to reporters outside Guwahati airport, Shinde said, “Here 40 MLAs are with me. Additional 10 MLAs will join me soon. I do not want to criticise any one. We are keen on continuing the Sena founded by late Balasaheb Thackeray,” he said.

Shiv sena has 56 MLAs in Maharashtra legislative assembly which has joined hands with NCP and Congress post 2019 assembly polls and formed government, breaking its alliance with the BJP.