Shinde flaunts support of 42 MLAs, floors Uddhav

Rebel Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde's camp has swollen to 42 MLAs, further weakening Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray's government in the state, with fresh photos from Guwahati's Radisson Blu showing 35 Shiv Sena MLAs and 7 Independent MLAs.

This exodus will deal a bigger blow to Uddhav as the Shiv Sena's strength has now been gutted in the state Assembly from 55 MLAs to 20.

Meanwhile, party MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday said the Sena is ready to quit the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government in Maharashtra if the group of rebel legislators camping in Assam returns to Mumbai in 24 hours and discusses the issue with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

"You say you are real Shiv Sainiks and will not quit the party. We are ready to consider your demand provided you come back to Mumbai in 24 hours and discuss the issue with CM Uddhav Thackeray. Your demand will be considered positively. Don't write letters on Twitter and WhatsApp," Raut told reporters.

(With PTI inputs)