Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut gave six rebel lawmakers a seven-day deadline [1] to respond to a notice or face disqualification.
The move signals a deepening internal crisis for the party as it battles to maintain its legislative strength against the rival Shinde faction. This conflict threatens the party's stability in the Lok Sabha and underscores the volatility of political alliances in India.
Speaking in New Delhi on May 11, 2024 [2], Raut briefed the Lok Sabha on the internal split. He focused on the six MPs [1] who left the party to join the Shinde faction. Raut said the Shinde faction and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) were involved in "kidnapping and hijacking" people [1].
The rebel MPs have not remained silent. They have taken their grievances to the Lok Sabha Speaker to challenge the party's actions. This legal and procedural battle now rests with the parliamentary leadership to determine if the disqualification process can proceed.
Beyond the internal party struggle, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is expanding its political critiques to other regions. Raut said the political climate in West Bengal is "Not just Bengal's story..." [2]. This coincides with the party's request for President's Rule in West Bengal following allegations of violence [3].
The party continues to maintain its core identity amid the split. Raut said that where Thackeray is, there is Shiv Sena [1].
“Sanjay Raut accused the Shinde faction and the NDA of "kidnapping and hijacking" people.”
The attempt to disqualify these six MPs is a strategic move by the Shiv Sena (UBT) to prevent further defections and penalize those who switched allegiances to the Shinde faction. By involving the Lok Sabha Speaker, the rebels are seeking a procedural shield against disqualification, which could lead to a prolonged legal standoff over party ownership and legislative legitimacy.
