Shiv Sena (UBT) Split: Rebel MPs Fly to Delhi in Private Jets
A potential split within the Shiv Sena (UBT) has intensified after six Lok Sabha members missed a party meeting to pursue a merger with the Eknath Shinde faction. The party has issued show-cause notices while opposition leaders vow to challenge the defectors.
Highlights
- •Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs skipped a key parliamentary meeting in New Delhi.
- •The rebel lawmakers are seeking to merge with the Eknath Shinde faction.
- •The party leadership has issued show-cause notices to the dissidents over whip violations.
- •Sanjay Raut indicated a joint political effort to oppose the defectors in future elections.
A significant Shiv Sena (UBT) split seems imminent following a major rebellion within the party ranks. On Thursday, a crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi was held, but it was marked by the notable absence of six out of nine Lok Sabha members. This internal defiance serves as a clear indicator of growing friction, with the party leadership now moving quickly to address the challenge.
The six absent legislators—Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Omraje Nimbalkar, and Sanjay Dina Patil—did not provide immediate public statements regarding their absence. However, reports indicate that they have already reached out to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, seeking recognition as a distinct political group. Their stated goal is to align with the faction led by Eknath Shinde, citing ideological differences regarding the path taken by the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.
Internal Friction and Party Action
Only three members—Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Rajabhau Waje—attended the scheduled meeting. Arvind Sawant, who serves as the Lok Sabha leader for Shiv Sena (UBT), confirmed that disciplinary measures are underway. Because the members disregarded a formal party whip, the leadership has issued show-cause notices. These individuals have been granted a seven-day window to explain their actions before further formal complaints are lodged with the Speaker.
The logistics behind the rebellion have also garnered attention. According to reports, the legislators began arriving in the national capital via private aircraft as early as June 16, coming from locations such as Nanded and Hyderabad. Some of these arrivals reportedly involved high-profile political figures, such as Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, who was seen with one of the rebels.
Political Repercussions and Morality
The situation has drawn sharp criticism from senior leadership. Sanjay Raut, a prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) figure, questioned the ethics of the departing members, stating that they should resign their seats and seek a fresh mandate if they intend to defect. Furthermore, the party is looking to leverage broader political alliances. Sanjay Raut indicated that NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar has pledged to campaign against any defectors in their respective constituencies, emphasizing a unified front against the rebellion.
As the situation unfolds, the rebel group is expected to hold further discussions with Eknath Shinde. The political future of these six MPs remains uncertain, as the Shiv Sena (UBT) prepares to take its case to the parliamentary authorities. This development marks yet another chapter in the ongoing turbulence within Maharashtra politics, highlighting the fragile nature of current legislative alignments.
