A pivotal meeting of the Shiv Sena (UBT) Parliamentary Party in New Delhi on Thursday will decide whether dissident MPs can form a separate group, following a whip issued on Wednesday directing lawmakers to attend. The meeting, scheduled for 11 am at the party office in the Parliament Complex, comes amid heightened speculation that a section of rebel MPs plans to split in the Lok Sabha and later merge with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Whip Issued to Prevent Defections
The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, issued a three-line whip on Wednesday, mandating attendance at the meeting to discuss critical issues. This move aims to pave the way for disqualification proceedings against rebel leaders. Party MP Arvind Sawant has urged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognize any breakaway group claiming to represent the party.
Current Strength and Dissident Group
The Sena (UBT) holds nine seats in the Lok Sabha. To form a separate group, at least two-thirds (six MPs) are required. Loyalists include Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waje, and Arvind Sawant. The remaining six MPs—Sanjay Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar, and Sanjay Jadhav—are considered part of the dissident camp. However, sources within the party claim the rival group still lacks the support of six MPs.
Rebels Meet Speaker
On Wednesday, a group of rebel leaders reportedly met Speaker Om Birla informally, claiming the backing of six MPs. The meeting's outcome will legally and physically determine whether Uddhav Thackeray retains his parliamentary strength or faces another significant party split—the third since Raj Thackeray's departure in 2006.
Allegations of Bribery
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that some MPs were being offered Rs 50 crore to switch sides. He dared rebels to resign if they wished to defect, emphasizing that party workers secured their victories. The party high command's counter-offensive includes the mandatory whip to force a physical showdown at Thursday's meeting.
