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

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.

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.

Addressing a press conference, he said all the concerned MPs had recently attended a meeting convened by Thackeray and reiterated their support for his leadership.

“This is a lie. We have no such information. Four days ago, all these MPs took part in a meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray and expressed faith in his leadership. Of them, some of the leaders swore by their loved ones pledging support to Uddhav," Raut said.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC rejected allegations that the Shinde camp was attempting to engineer defections.

Speaking to news agency ANI, she said, “We have no interest in breaking any party. Everyone has seen the popularity of our leader, Eknath Shinde, because he is loyal to the common people and works at the grassroots level. He doesn’t work from home."

However, Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane added fuel to the speculation by claiming that talks with seven Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had reached an advanced stage and that they could join the Shinde faction before the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.

About the Author

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has more than 10 years of experience in national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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