Sawant said the MPs would have seven days to provide an explanation. He added that failure to respond would lead to further disciplinary proceedings under the party’s rules and possible action under the anti-defection law…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The internal crisis within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) intensified on Thursday after six MPs skipped a parliamentary party meeting called by the faction, prompting warnings of disciplinary action.
The absence of the lawmakers came despite a party directive for attending the meeting, with senior leader and MP Arvind Sawant saying show-cause notices were being issued to those who did not attend.
Sawant said the MPs would have seven days to provide an explanation. He added that failure to respond would lead to further disciplinary proceedings under the party’s rules and possible action under the anti-defection law.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Sawant said the party had issued a whip for the gathering, which began at 11 am. He said only he, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waje and parliamentary party leader Sanjay Raut attended the meeting.
“Since these six individuals chose to skip it, we are issuing show-cause notices. If they fail to respond within seven days of receipt, we will initiate strict disciplinary action against them for political betrayal (party-treason),” Sawant said.
The six MPs who were absent are believed to be considering their political course amid reports of possible movement towards the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The development has increased uncertainty over the future strength of the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary group.
Responding to arguments that a party whip may not apply outside voting proceedings in Parliament, Sawant said the party had the authority to issue such directives for meetings involving important decisions.
“The party absolutely has the authority to issue a whip. It is not limited to just voting on the House floor,” Sawant said. He added that when a meeting is held to discuss major strategic decisions concerning the party’s future, such a directive remains applicable.
The latest dispute comes amid continuing legal and political uncertainty over defections within the Shiv Sena factions. The Supreme Court’s observations in the Maharashtra political crisis have placed renewed focus on the requirements under the anti-defection law, including the role of the original political party in merger-related decisions.
Political observers said the absence of six MPs represents a significant challenge for the Thackeray faction, which has already faced a split in the party organisation and legislative wing following the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde.
The Uddhav faction is now seeking to use disciplinary measures and legal provisions to address the situation, while the possibility of further shifts among legislators and local leaders remains a key factor in the ongoing political contest.
