MLAs to demand Rane's removal

Opposition MLAs, including those of the BJP and the Shiv Sena, would submit a petition to Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Babasaheb Kupekar, seeking removal of expelled Sena leader Narayan Rane from the post of leader of opposition, Sena MLA Ramdas Kadam said here today.

A meeting of Opposition MLAs has been convened here tomorrow, Kadam, who was elected leader of the party in the Assembly at a meeting of legislators supporting party executive president Uddhav Thackeray on July 7, told reporters here today.

"All Opposition MLAs would sign the petition, seeking removal of Rane from the post of opposition leader," Kadam said.

"I am confident that the Speaker would take into consideration the feelings of the opposition MLAs," Kadam said.

"There is no split in the Shiv Sena. Our strength has been reduced from the earlier 63 to 62 with the expulsion of Rane from the party," Kadam said.

Meanwhile, Sena leaders Kadam, Subhash Desai, former Speaker Datta Nalawade held discussions with BJP leader in the Assembly Gopinath Munde at the latter's office at vidhan bhawan.