Six of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting on June 18, 2024 [1].
The absence of the majority of the party's federal lawmakers signals a potential collapse of the faction's influence in the Lok Sabha. A mass defection to the rival Shinde camp would significantly shift the political balance in Maharashtra.
Reports indicate the missing lawmakers may be seeking recognition from the Lok Sabha Speaker to merge with the rival faction [1]. This move follows a period of intense political instability within the party's ranks in Maharashtra.
Sanjay Raut, a leader within Shiv Sena (UBT), said the rebel MPs have been given 10 crore rupees [2]. Raut said the lawmakers were shifted to Rajasthan as part of the inducement process [2].
The party's internal crisis has intensified as six out of nine MPs remained absent from the gathering [1]. This vacancy at the meeting has led observers to suggest that the writing appeared to be on the wall for the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership [1].
While the missing MPs have not issued a formal statement regarding their whereabouts, the allegations of financial inducement remain a central point of contention between the party leadership and the suspected rebels [2]. The Shinde camp has not yet officially confirmed the arrival of these members.
“Six of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting.”
This development suggests a critical vulnerability for the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. If the majority of its Lok Sabha members defect to the Shinde camp, the party loses its leverage in federal legislative proceedings and faces a diminished mandate in its home state of Maharashtra, potentially consolidating power for the rival faction.
