Shiv Sena (UBT) warns rebel MPs against merger with Eknath Shinde faction

Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued legal notices to its rebel Members of Parliament, warning them against merging with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and asking them to explain their actions.

The move comes after six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs reportedly broke away from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, triggering a fresh political crisis within the party. The notices seek a response from the MPs over their alleged anti-party activities and decision to align with the rival faction.

According to party leaders, the notices caution the MPs against taking any further steps towards a formal merger with the Shinde camp, stating that disciplinary action could follow if they fail to respond.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have described the defections as a betrayal of the party's ideology and leadership, while maintaining that they will challenge the move through legal and constitutional channels.

The latest development marks another setback for Uddhav Thackeray's party after the 2022 split that led to the formation of the Shinde-led faction. The political developments are expected to have a significant impact on Maharashtra's opposition politics, with further legal and parliamentary proceedings likely in the coming days.