Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and sought adherence to anti-defection provisions amid reports that a section of the party’s MPs could switch allegiance.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and sought adherence to constitutional provisions amid reports of possible defections. | IANS
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders on Wednesday approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as reports of a possible split within the party’s parliamentary wing fuelled political speculation in Maharashtra.
Party MPs Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Sanjay Raut met the Speaker in Parliament and conveyed their concerns over reports suggesting that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could break away from the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit.
Advertisement
Speaking after the meeting, Sawant said the party had informed the Speaker that no MP had formally communicated any decision to leave the organisation.
Advertisement
He also stressed that any action in such a situation should be governed by constitutional provisions and the anti-defection law.
“We apprised him that what is being reported in the media has not been communicated to him officially by anyone. Even if someone approaches him, he must act according to the Constitution. The anti-defection law is also applicable,” Sawant told reporters.
#WATCH | Delhi | After meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Shiv Sena UBT MP Arvind Sawant says, “I told the Speaker that no one has said that they are leaving the party yet. If anyone comes to him, the Constitution should be followed. No individual group can get recognition,… pic.twitter.com/NBEpEUT4Y5
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
Sanjay Raut said the delegation received an assurance from the Lok Sabha Speaker that any matter placed before him would be handled in accordance with established procedures.
“The Speaker is a respectable person for us. He assured that law, rules and regulations will be kept in mind in the matter,” Raut said.
#WATCH | Delhi | After meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Shiv Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut says, “The Speaker is a respectable person for us. We regard him. He assured that the law and rules and regulations will be kept in mind in the matter.” pic.twitter.com/WOEOgSGLSG
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
Anil Desai said the party had formally submitted a letter requesting that Shiv Sena (UBT) be informed if any group of MPs approaches the Speaker regarding a merger or split.
“We have given a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker stating that if any group comes to him, he should first let us know. Only a party can merge. There is no provision for a group to merge with any party,” Desai said.
#WATCH | Delhi | After meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Shiv Sena UBT MP Anil Desai says, “We have given a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker stating that if any group comes to him, he should first let us know. Only a party can merge; there is no provision for a group to merge… pic.twitter.com/MHcXrCpcKK
— ANI (@ANI) June 17, 2026
The development comes amid discussions in Maharashtra political circles over reports of an alleged “Operation Tiger”, under which several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are said to be in contact with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The reports have claimed that seven of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs could switch sides. However, there is no official announcement or confirmation in this regard.
The speculation has revived memories of the 2022 political split when Eknath Shinde and a large group of MLAs parted ways with Uddhav Thackeray, resulting in a division of the Shiv Sena.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajabhau Waje dismissed suggestions that he was considering leaving the party.
“I am with Uddhav ji and will remain with him. I have no contact with anyone else. I have not received any call from Shinde ji and I am not upset,” Waje told ANI.
The Nashik MP also clarified that his visit to Delhi was solely for an official committee meeting.
Addressing reports surrounding an emergency meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray earlier this week, Waje said only a few leaders attended in person while others joined virtually.
“Four people were physically present and five people spoke to Uddhav ji through video conferencing,” he said.
When asked whether some MPs had the numbers required to engineer a split, Waje declined to comment and said he was unaware of any fresh developments.
“I don’t know yet. I have just arrived and was travelling by train. There was no network. I don’t know what has happened,” he said.
Advertisement
