EC asks Team Thackeray, Shinde to submit documents proving majority for Sena control

The two sides will also have to give written statements detailing their views on the dispute in the party, which surfaced after Shinde and nearly 40 MLAs rebelled last month and formed a new government, with the support of the BJP.

Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis became Shinde's deputy in the new set-up.

In a letter to the Election Commission, Team Shinde claimed it has the support of 40 out of 55 MLAs and 12 out of 18 Lok Sabha MPs.

"...It is evident that there is a split in the Shiv Sena, one group of which is being led by Eknath Shinde and the other group is being led by Uddhav Thackeray, both the groups claim to be the real Shiv Sena with their leader being the alleged president of Shiv Sena party," the Election Commission said in the notice to the two camps.

"In order to place both the rival groups on an even keel and to protect their rights and interests, and going by the past precedence, the commission has directed that the documents submitted by the rival groups be exchanged and reply/written submissions be invited from the two groups," the Election Commission said.

It announced the next step as a "substantive hearing" only after getting the documentary evidence and written statements.

The Shinde camp had asked the Maharashtra assembly Speaker to disqualify Team Thackeray.

The Supreme Court on July 11, however, told Speaker Rahul Narwekar not to proceed with the plea seeking Team Thackeray's disqualification.

Both camps have been asked to frame by July 27 issues for consideration by a larger bench of the Supreme Court. The matter would be heard on August 1.