Lok Sabha Speaker recognizes merger of six rebel Sena UBT MPs into Shinde faction
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has formally recognized the merger of six rebel Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray faction into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena under the anti-defection law. The decision, which directly impacts several constituencies in Maharashtra including Mumbai North East, formally validates the MPs' switch and strengthens the Shinde-led faction's position.
The six parliamentarians who joined the Shinde camp are Sanjay Dina Patil from Mumbai North East, Omraje Nimbalkar from Dharashiv, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar from Hingoli, Sanjay Jadhav from Parbhani, Sanjay Deshmukh from Yavatmal-Washim, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure from Shirdi. They had previously broken away from the Uddhav Thackeray faction (Sena UBT) and submitted an official application to the Lok Sabha Secretariat seeking recognition of their merger.
The formal recognition was welcomed nearly a month after the six MPs first decided to switch camps. This development increases the Shinde-led Shiv Sena's strength in the Lok Sabha to 13 members ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session, which is scheduled to start on July 20.
In Mumbai, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde strongly defended the MPs' decision to switch sides, refuting allegations that the move was politically or financially motivated. Speaking to the media, Shinde asserted that the MPs did not join the party for personal self-interest, but rather to secure development projects and funding for their local constituencies.
"If I were to tell you that the six MPs who joined us did not do so for personal gain, you might dismiss it as a lie," Shinde said. "Those making these allegations see nothing but money because their mindset is one of taking, not giving."
Shinde explained that the party would ensure the MPs receive the necessary development funds for their regions. He also revealed that the leadership had facilitated a meeting between the rebel MPs and Union Home Minister Amit Shah to guarantee that relevant departmental work in their areas is completed.
Addressing the criticism from the Uddhav Thackeray faction, Shinde noted that the narrative against departing members is always the same. He stated that when individuals are with that faction, they are considered good, but the moment they leave, they are deemed bad.
