On Wednesday morning, DK Shivakumar arrived straight to the hotel from the airport and waited for around six hours to meet the MLAs who had already written to the Mumbai police seeking protection, stating their life is in threat.
Mumbai Congress was divided in their loyalties as Karnataka drama unfolded inside and outside Hotel Renaissance in Powai on Wednesday.
When Karnataka Minister DK Shivakumar came outside the hotel to meet rebel MLAs, joining him in his efforts were Maha Congress leaders, including Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam. However, supporters of former Congress leader Narayan Rane were seen shouting slogans against their visit to the hotel.
When tension intensified, police imposed section 144 in the area coming under the jurisdiction of Powai police station and a total of five leaders were detained. The detainees were kept at a Kalina university-based guest house and they were released around 6.30pm on the day.
On Wednesday morning, DK Shivakumar arrived straight to the hotel from the airport and waited for around six hours to meet the MLAs who had already written to the Mumbai police seeking protection, stating their life is in threat. While the supporters of Congress claimed that Shivakumar's booking was cancelled by the hotel authorities due to pressure from the ruling party to avoid him meeting the legislators, Shivakumar said he would not move until he meets the MLAs.
In anticipation of Shivkumar's entrance at the Powai five star hotel, Mumbai police had deployed officers at the hotel. Police said, "We had expected a ruckus after Congress leaders stormed the hotel, but the situation was kept under control."
Around 2.30pm, Milind Deora reached the Powai five star hotel to meet Shivakumar, who were addressing the media when they were detained and taken away in a police van. Soon after the detention, Deora said, "We were detained despite zero provocation. We did not protest, raise slogans or mobilise party workers, and yet we have been detained." The Congress leaders were taken to Mumbai University's guesthouse.
Mumbai Police had imposed section 144 of the IPC at Powai and BKC, prohibiting the assembly of more than four people. "I wanted to stay and meet MLAs but police are pushing me to the airport," said DKS on his release.
Divided House
- Shivakumar was joined by Maha Congress leaders, including Milind Deora and Sanjay Nirupam, in his efforts to woo back Karnataka Congress rebels
- However, supporters of former Congress leader Narayan Rane were seen shouting slogans against their visit
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