Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday demanded the disqualification of 12 rebel Shiv Sena MPs who have sided with Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, alleging that their defection is part of a larger conspiracy to undermine the party founded by his father, Bal Thackeray.
Thackeray's sharp attack on rebel MPs
Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Thackeray drew a parallel between the rebels and Mughal emperor Babur, who he said demolished the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. "Babur demolished the Ram Mandir. A 'Babur Janata Party' has now come to loot the newly constructed temple. What is the difference between them?" he questioned. The remark was aimed at the rebel faction, which Thackeray accused of betraying the party's Hindutva ideology for personal gain.
Disqualification plea under anti-defection law
Thackeray announced that his party has filed a petition with the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking disqualification of the 12 MPs under the anti-defection law. He claimed that the rebels have voluntarily given up their party membership and acted against the whip issued by the Shiv Sena (UBT). "These MPs have betrayed the mandate of the people who voted for them on the Shiv Sena symbol. They must be disqualified immediately," he said.
Allegations of a larger conspiracy
The former Maharashtra chief minister alleged that the defections are part of a well-orchestrated plan by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to weaken the Shiv Sena. "This is not just about a few individuals switching sides. There is a bigger conspiracy at play to destroy the Shiv Sena and its ideology. The BJP is using these rebels to achieve its political goals," Thackeray asserted. He claimed that the rebels were promised ministerial positions and other benefits in exchange for their loyalty.
Political turmoil in Maharashtra
The demand for disqualification comes amid continuing political instability in Maharashtra. In June 2022, Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against the then Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government, resulting in its collapse and Shinde becoming chief minister with BJP support. The split in the Shiv Sena has led to a legal battle over the party's symbol and control, with the Election Commission recognizing Shinde's faction as the real Shiv Sena in February 2023. However, Thackeray's faction has challenged this decision in the Supreme Court.
Impact on upcoming elections
Political analysts say the disqualification move could have significant implications for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections. The Shiv Sena (UBT) hopes that disqualification of the rebel MPs will weaken the Shinde faction and strengthen its own position. However, the process is likely to be protracted, given the legal complexities involved. Thackeray's sharp rhetoric also signals that he is not willing to compromise with the rebels, whom he has repeatedly called traitors.
