Amid 'Operation Tiger' Buzz, Sena MP Arvind Sawant Asks Om Birla To Reject Split, Merger Claims

Published 17 June 2026 · india

Amid 'Operation Tiger' Buzz, Sena MP Arvind Sawant Asks Om Birla To Reject Split, Merger Claims Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 10:29 IST

Amid 'Operation Tiger' Buzz, Sena MP Arvind Sawant Asks Om Birla To Reject Split, Merger Claims Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 10:29 IST Amid defection rumours, Arvind Sawant asked Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to reject any bid by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs seeking recognition as a separate group. A file photo of Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant (PTI) Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him not to entertain any claims related to a split or merger involving party MPs amid speculation of unrest within the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit. Sawant’s letter comes against the backdrop of reports suggesting that some Members of Parliament elected on the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) symbol could be considering a breakaway move or seeking to align with another political formation in the Lok Sabha. In his communication to the Speaker, Sawant referred to the reports and sought to place the party’s official position on record. “There are reports appearing in the media that certain Members of Parliament elected on the symbol of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) have either approached, or are contemplating approaching, your office seeking recognition as a separate group or a merger with another political party within the Lok Sabha," the letter stated.

Sawant said such developments, if pursued, would have implications for the constitutional framework governing political parties and legislative groups. He urged the Speaker to refrain from acting on any such representation. “Since such reports raise issues touching directly upon the constitutional scheme governing political parties and legislative parties, I consider it necessary to place the position of the party on record and to respectfully request that no such claim be entertained," he wrote. The letter was sent amid mounting speculation over the possibility of a split within the Shiv Sena (UBT)’s parliamentary wing. Political circles in Maharashtra have been abuzz with reports that some MPs may be in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. The development also follows claims made by Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut earlier in the day. Raut alleged that lawmakers from his party were being offered large sums of money to defect. In a post on X, he claimed that MPs were being promised Rs 15 crore each to switch allegiance and join the rival camp. Raut later dismissed reports suggesting that five MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party were preparing to form a separate faction.