Uddhav Thackeray

The ED's investigation pertains to alleged financial irregularities in the redevelopment of the Patra 'chawl' and related financial transactions involving Raut's wife and associates.

"Uddhav Thackeray has betrayed both the BJP and Hindutva ideology. He also insulted the mandate of the Maharashtra people. Uddhav Thackeray's party is small because of Thackeray himself and his desire for power, not due to the BJP. Politicians who cheat must be punished," said Amit Shah.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar advised, "A Chief Minister should avoid confrontation and bring everyone along." The NCP chief's warning comes as both Shiv Sena factions seek to hold the party's annual Dussehra rally at Mumbai's Shivaji Park.

The development occurred while Thackeray's Sena was still recovering from the consequences of Eknath Shinde's rebellion and subsequent loss of power in Maharashtra. Thackeray announced the new partnership during the press conference.

On the stairs of the Vidhan Bhavan, where the state legislative session is underway, legislators from the Shinde faction carried banners with the slogan "Yuvrajanchi disha chukli" (the prince missed his path).

The five-member constitution bench will hear the plea on Thursday. The top court also asked the Election Commission not to proceed with action on the party symbol dispute between Thackeray's and Shinde's camps till Thursday.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expanded his two-member cabinet on Tuesday, 41 days after taking the oath. Eighteen legislators were sworn in as cabinet ministers at Raj Bhavan in south Mumbai. There is no woman on the list. However, three of the 18 ministers have been embroiled in controversies.

The cabinet was expanded almost 40 days after Shinde and Devendra Fadnavis took oath as the chief minister and deputy chief minister, respectively.Of the 55 MLAs of Shiv Sena, 40 have aligned with Shinde. The revolt led to the collapse of the Thackeray-led government in June.

Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis said, "Maharashtra cabinet will be extended sooner than you imagine." According to sources, the exercise will be finished before August 15.

"We are not issuing any orders, so refrain from acting hastily. But at the same time, refrain from acting hastily," CJI stated.The Eknath Shinde faction's claim would be heard on August 8 as scheduled by the Election Commission.