The Shiv Sena (UBT) has sent legal notices to six of its rebel Lok Sabha MPs, asserting that the merger of the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit with the rival Shiv Sena is not permissible under law. The notices, dated July 13, were sent by Sena (UBT) MP and party’s parliamentary leader Arvind Sawant to each of the six MPs.
The MPs had contested and won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol and under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray after fighting against candidates fielded by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Sawant stated that the original political party has neither initiated, agreed to nor permitted any merger with the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
Citing Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution, Sawant said a merger of a legislature party could arise only after a merger of the original political party. He added that no such merger is permissible or contemplated in law. The party had already informed the Lok Sabha Speaker that no request seeking recognition of any merger or separate group of MPs elected on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol should be entertained.
Six of the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha MPs joined the Shinde-headed Shiv Sena on June 22. The Lok Sabha Speaker is yet to make his decision public on their claim, though Shinde has maintained that all legal formalities have been completed. Reacting to the notices, Shinde said the rebel MPs had already met the Lok Sabha Speaker, submitted the required documents and fulfilled all procedural requirements.
Shinde dismissed the notices as a desperate attempt by the Thackeray camp, stating that the letter would have no impact whatsoever on the MPs. Most of the rebel MPs declined to comment, saying Shinde had already responded on their behalf. Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtikar confirmed receiving Sawant’s letter but said he saw no reason to reply.
The six Lok Sabha MPs on Tuesday called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who assured them of full support from the Centre for development works in their constituencies. Shah welcomed the MPs and assured them that there would be no shortage of central assistance, including funds, for welfare schemes and development projects in their constituencies.
