Shiv Sena (UBT) challenges defection of six MPs to Shinde faction

Sawant maintains that the anti-defection law mandates that only an entire political party can merge with another, rather than individual members or breakaway groups. The party has submitted formal objections to the Speaker, insisting that the legal framework does not authorize the formation of a separate group for the purpose of such a merger. He expressed confidence that the Speaker will uphold constitutional requirements rather than legitimizing the shift.

This dispute follows the July 6 departure of six Lok Sabha members—Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav, Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure, Omprakash Bhupalsingh Nimbalkar, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, and Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar. Their move to the Shinde camp leaves Uddhav Thackeray’s faction with only three remaining MPs, marking a significant decline in their parliamentary influence following the 2022 party split. Eknath Shinde dismissed criticism from other UBT leadership, claiming his faction focuses on regional development while accusing his opponents of resorting to aggressive rhetoric.