At a time when a political crisis is raging in Maharashtra with the breaking up of the Shiv Sena, the Mumbai Police on Saturday invoked Section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC). In view of the fear that there could be a law & order issue, the gathering of five or more persons has been disallowed in the financial capital of India.

There have been major differences between the Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde factions of the ruling Shiv Sena. While Uddhav is the Chief Minister at the moment, he could lose power if a floor test is held on the floor of the Maharashtra Assembly. If Shinde has the support of the 2/3rd of the total number of SS, he will become the leader of the party, which is now named Shiv Sena (Balasaheb).

Shinde doesn't want the NCP and Congress to be in power. He wants SS to join hands with the BJP.

On its part, the BJP has made it clear that it is up to Shinde and Uddhav whether they reconcile or not. The BJP has adopted a wait-and-watch policy for now.