Mumbai/New Delhi: Political uncertainty has once again surfaced within the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) camp, amid growing speculation that a group of the party’s Lok Sabha members could be preparing to distance themselves from the leadership. In response to the reports, the party has formally approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him not to grant recognition to any faction that may claim to represent the organisation separately.
Senior Shiv Sena UBT leader and MP Arvind Sawant submitted a communication to the Speaker on Tuesday, stressing that the party remains a unified political entity in Parliament and continues to function under its officially designated leadership and whip. The move comes against the backdrop of intense political chatter suggesting that certain MPs may be exploring the possibility of aligning with another political formation.
In the letter, Sawant requested that no privileges, facilities, or official status be extended to any group claiming to be a separate wing of the party. He also sought an assurance that the Speaker’s office would hear the party’s position before taking any decision on requests from any breakaway faction.
The communication further stated that the party reserves its right to initiate action under the anti-defection provisions of the Constitution if circumstances warrant such a move. It emphasised that constitutional safeguards exist to protect the integrity of recognised political parties and their legislative wings.
To strengthen its argument, the party referred to the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling in the Subhash Desai versus State of Maharashtra case. According to the interpretation cited in the letter, legislators derive their authority from the political party that nominated them, and the Constitution does not envisage rival groups simultaneously claiming to be the same party within a legislative body.
Meanwhile, political activity surrounding the issue has shifted to the national capital. Several Shiv Sena UBT leaders are currently in Delhi, while Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is also expected to be in the city, adding to speculation about possible political realignments.
Questions about internal cohesion within the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit intensified after a recent party meeting in Mumbai witnessed the absence of five of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs. The development triggered discussions about dissatisfaction within sections of the parliamentary unit and fuelled rumours of an impending split.
With the Shiv Sena preparing to celebrate its 60th foundation day on June 19, political observers are closely watching the party’s next moves. While no MP has publicly announced a departure from the organisation, the coming days are expected to be crucial in determining whether the latest signs of unrest evolve into a full-fledged political challenge for the party leadership.
