Shiv Sena (UBT) Faces Speculation of Split Amidst Delhi Meetings

Both Sena factions are appealing to traditional voters while highlighting their respective alliances and visions for Maharashtra.

MUMBAI: Amid mounting speculation over a possible split in Shiv Sena (UBT), deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde is learnt to have held a late-night meeting in Delhi with 6 MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray camp, triggering buzz over "Operation Tiger" and a possible breakaway group in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, leader of the party's parliamentary group, wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, urging him not to entertain any claim by defecting MPs seeking recognition as a separate group or merger with another political party. There were reports that six of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s nine Lok Sabha MPs had reached Delhi early Wednesday. Sena functionaries said Shinde, who was also in the capital, met the MPs before leaving for Jaipur. Political circles were abuzz with speculation that the MPs could seek recognition as a separate group by submitting a letter to the Speaker.

Sawant said the claim that Sena (UBT) represents the "real Shiv Sena" remains sub judice before the Supreme Court and that his letter was being written without prejudice to that claim. He said the letter was prompted by reports that certain MPs elected on the Sena (UBT) symbol had either approached, or were contemplating approaching, the Speaker seeking recognition as a separate group or a merger with another political party within the Lok Sabha.

"I may also respectfully invite attention to the Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha, including Direction 121 and the allied provisions governing recognition of parties and groups in the House. These Directions contemplate recognition being accorded through the authorised leadership of a political party and prescribe minimum numerical thresholds for recognition. They do not provide any mechanism for recognition of a faction operating in opposition to the leadership and authority of the political party from which such members claim to derive their mandate. The reported request therefore finds no support in the Directions governing parliamentary procedure either," Sawant said in his letter.

Sawant urged that Sena (UBT) continue to be recognised as a single political party in the House through its duly authorised leader and whip, and that no separate recognition, status, privilege or facility be accorded to any breakaway faction claiming to represent the party. He further requested that no decision be taken on any such request, if received, without first giving Sena (UBT) an opportunity to place its submissions before the Speaker's office.

"The party further reserves all rights available to it in law, including the right to invoke the provisions of the Tenth Schedule and pursue such remedies as may be necessary in relation to any conduct inconsistent with the constitutional principles referred to," Sawant said.