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Naik counters Rane's attempt to disqualify him

Shiv Sena rebel leader Ganesh Naik, along with followers Gulabrao Gavande and Suresh Nawale, appeared before Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Datta Alwade on Monday regarding the disqualification petition filed against them by Chief Minister Narayan Rane.

Rane had last week sought to disqualify the three as they were not present in the assembly when he sought a confidence vote on February 17.

Speaking to the media, Naik said he, his associates and lawyer Marzban Patrawala met the speaker in his chamber and submitted documents proving they were ill during the special session.

To a query about how they took ill on the same day, Nawale sarcastically replied, ''It may have been a miracle of the Shiv Shakti regime.''

Naik reiterated his resolve to float a ''carbon copy'' of the Shiv Sena. His plans, he said, were being delayed due to 'technical reasons'.

Naik said he was unwell due to a recurring kidney stone problem, Nawale was down with acute stomach ache and Gawande with heart ailment.

He expressed confidence that Nalawade would give them justice.

Naik informed that on March 30, about 50,000 workers of his organisation, the Shiv Shakti, would meet at Pandharpur for a sankalp rally. Another rally would be held in Navi Mumbai on May 27.

Replying to another question, Naik, who was sacked from the council of ministers last year after he refused to resign, said he is yet to know the reason why he was asked to go.

He evaded queries on whether his new political outfit would support the Congress in the coming assembly election.

UNI

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