Shiv Sena MPs Urge Speaker for Constitutional Adherence Amid Party Split

On Wednesday, two Lok Sabha members from Shiv Sena (UBT), Anil Desai and Arvind Sawant, met with Speaker Om Birla in his chamber. Following their discussion, Sawant revealed that six MPs from their party had defected to another party. Last week, Desai and he had approached the Speaker to submit a request regarding this situation. They emphasized that if any individual or group approaches the Speaker expressing a desire to leave the party, it is essential to uphold the Constitution. This is their expectation.

Sawant mentioned that after the incident, they sent another letter requesting that if any actions are taken, their voices should be heard first before any decisions are made. The Speaker granted them time to discuss this matter. They inquired whether he had received any letters regarding the issue, to which he responded negatively. Desai added that the Speaker assured them that decisions would be made in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Constitution, without any further discussions on related matters.

Desai pointed out that if any petitions had been submitted, they asked for clarification on the contents of those petitions and what points had been raised. He stated that they would prepare their response in their office. The 10th Schedule of the Constitution clearly states that no group, even if it constitutes two-thirds of the legislative party, can join another party voluntarily. Such a group cannot merge with another party either. In the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections, all nine MPs were elected under the name 'Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray' and with the 'Mashal' election symbol. The Speaker's role as a guardian of Parliament will be crucial in ensuring justice.

This meeting comes shortly after the announcement of the merger of six of the nine Lok Sabha members of Shiv Sena (UBT) with Eknath Shinde's faction. This marks the first meeting between the Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders and the Speaker; previously, the party had submitted a 'caveat' letter requesting a hearing before any decisions were made. Party leaders have criticized the lack of transparency in this matter and questioned why the House has not been informed about it, or why the Speaker's office has not yet disclosed information regarding the division and merger.

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