Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmakers met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on June 18, 2024, to request the disqualification of six alleged defectors [1], [3].
The move represents a critical attempt by the party to maintain its parliamentary strength amid claims that a majority of its representatives have shifted allegiance to Eknath Shinde's faction.
MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai led the delegation to the Speaker's office in New Delhi [2], [4]. Some reports indicate that Sanjay Raut also joined the meeting [1]. The group submitted a formal letter raising concerns over the alleged defection of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs [1], [2].
The party currently holds nine total seats in the Lok Sabha [5]. The delegation requested that the Speaker deny recognition to the rebel members under the anti-defection law to prevent them from being recognized as part of the house [3].
"We request the Speaker to deny recognition to the rebel MPs under the anti-defection law," a party spokesperson said [3].
The party is attempting to pre-empt any claims that these six members legitimately switched sides [3]. This internal conflict follows reports of an effort termed "Operation Tiger," which allegedly sought to move the MPs to the Shinde camp and deal a blow to Uddhav Thackeray [6].
Speaker Om Birla acknowledged the request and said that due process would be followed [2].
"Any decision on the defection of the six party MPs will be taken strictly according to the Constitution," Birla said [2].
“"Any decision on the defection of the six party MPs will be taken strictly according to the Constitution."”
The outcome of Speaker Om Birla's decision will determine whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) retains its proportional influence in the Lok Sabha or suffers a significant loss of legislative power. If the anti-defection law is applied to the six alleged rebels, it could trigger a series of by-elections or formalize a split in the party's parliamentary representation, further consolidating Eknath Shinde's position within the broader Shiv Sena divide.
