Maharashtra crisis LIVE: Poster of a rebel MLA smeared with ink, word 'traitor' written

Maharashtra crisis LIVE: Poster of a rebel MLA smeared with ink, word 'traitor' written

New Delhi : The rebel MLAs on Thursday said everything would be sorted out today as they had 42 MLAs.

Bharat Gogawale, who on Wednesday was appointed chief whip by the rebel candidates, said 42 Shiv Sena MLAs are supporting Eknath Shinde and more would join.

Gogawale said the situation would become clearer on Thursday. He said their problem is with the Aghadi.

"We are with Eknath Shinde. Let us see what happens," he said in response to whether the rebels would form a separate party or go with the BJP.

On whether Shinde would be the next CM, Gogawale said, “Who does not want to become the CM? He is the first choice.”

Sources said the rebels, after Uddhav Thackeray turned down Shinde's offer to go with the BJP, are no longer interested in supporting him.

Meanwhile, the Sena MLAs supporting Thackeray will also hold a meeting on Thursday.

Calling the MVA alliance “unnatural”, Shinde, who is emerging as the leader of the rebel camp, on Wednesday said only the NCP and Congress had benefited from the tie-up. "In the last two-and-a-half years, the MVA government benefited only the constituent parties (NCP and Congress)," he said.

While the constituents got stronger, the Shiv Sainiks and Sena got weaker, Shinde added. "It is essential to get out of the unnatural front for the survival of the party and Shiv Sainiks. The decision need to be taken now in the interest of Maharashtra," he said.