- Shiv Sena (UBT) issued notices to absent Lok Sabha MPs.
- Notices warned absent MPs of anti-defection law consequences.
- Their absence fuels fresh split speculation within the party.
- Uddhav Thackeray offered to resign amid deepening party crisis.
The crisis within Shiv Sena (UBT) deepened on Saturday after the party issued show-cause notices to rebel Lok Sabha MPs who failed to attend a crucial parliamentary meeting despite being directed to do so through a party whip.
Party Chief Secretary Anil Desai has sought explanations from the MPs within 24 hours, warning them of consequences under the anti-defection law if they fail to provide a satisfactory response.
MPs Asked To Explain Absence
In the notice, Desai said the MPs remained absent from the party’s Lok Sabha members’ meeting held on June 18 despite being informed in advance and receiving a formal whip.
“You have neither attended the meeting nor informed party parliamentary leader Arvind Sawant or me about the reasons for your absence. The party has taken this matter seriously and considers it a violation of party directives,” the notice stated.
The MPs have been directed to explain their conduct within 24 hours of receiving the notice.
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Warning Over Anti-Defection Law
The notice further warned that if no satisfactory explanation is received within the stipulated period, the party may treat the MPs’ actions as a voluntary departure from Shiv Sena (UBT).
Desai also reminded the lawmakers of the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, commonly known as the anti-defection law, stating that they would be personally responsible for any consequences arising from their actions.
Rebellion Fuels ‘Operation Tiger’ Buzz
The notices come amid mounting speculation about a fresh split within Shiv Sena (UBT), with six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs remaining absent from the parliamentary meeting.
The rebellion has triggered political chatter over a possible realignment of leaders and renewed discussions around the so-called ‘Operation Tiger’, a term being used for the reported attempts to engineer defections within the party.
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Uddhav Thackeray Offers To Step Down
Amid the escalating crisis, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray made an emotional appeal on the party’s foundation day, saying he was prepared to step down as party president if workers and leaders no longer had faith in his leadership.
Thackeray said he had led the party for over a decade and remained committed despite repeated challenges and attacks. However, he added that he would not cling to the post if the party believed someone else should lead the organisation.
The latest developments mark the most serious challenge to Thackeray’s leadership since the 2022 rebellion led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which split the original Shiv Sena and reshaped the state’s political landscape.
