New Delhi: Shiv Sena (UBT) looked set for another major blow after six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs boycotted a parliamentary party meeting in Delhi, intensifying speculation that they are preparing to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Only Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje turned up for the meeting, which was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut. The no-shows deepened rumours of a fracture in the party’s parliamentary ranks, as reported by The Pioneer.
Those who stayed away were Nagesh Aashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure. According to sources, the six have appended their signatures to a letter seeking merger with the Shinde camp and submitted it to Speaker Om Birla.
Sources said the Speaker’s office is still verifying the signatures and may summon some MPs to appear before deciding.
Before the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) had issued a whip directing all its MPs to attend, indicating possible disciplinary measures against those who stayed away.
Under the anti-defection law, at least two-thirds of a party’s MPs must act together to avoid disqualification. With nine Lok Sabha MPs, Shiv Sena (UBT) would need six members to constitute a valid split under the law.
Leaders in the Shinde camp, however, argued the whip cannot cause disqualification under the anti‑defection law since it was issued for an internal party meeting, not for House proceedings.
Under the anti-defection law, at least two-thirds of a party’s MPs must act together to avoid disqualification. With nine Lok Sabha MPs, Shiv Sena (UBT) would need six members to constitute a valid split under the law.
This episode adds to the troubles of Uddhav Thackeray’s party, which has faced repeated desertions since the 2022 break that enabled the Shinde-led government.
