Shiv Sena (UBT) urges Speaker not to recognise rebel MPs as separate group

Members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, urging him not to grant separate recognition or seating to six rebel MPs who have aligned with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The UBT faction argues that such a move would violate constitutional provisions.

After the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai told reporters that the party had submitted an application to the Speaker on June 18, seeking a hearing before any decision is made on representations from the rebel MPs.

“We had said that in case any of our MPs, individually or after forming a group, approach you saying they want to merge with another group, you should act according to constitutional provisions,” Sawant said.

The rebel MPs have switched allegiance to the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who split from the original Shiv Sena in June 2022. The dispute over party symbols and legislative majority is pending before the Election Commission and the Supreme Court. The issue of recognition of MPs is significant as it affects voting rights and party strength in Parliament.