Shiv Sena factional dispute and disqualification proceedings

8 entries over 59 days, from 22 June 2026 to 19 August 2026.

01
22 June

Shiv Sena (UBT) defections to Eknath Shinde faction

Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are defecting to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, a process referred to as 'Operation Tiger'.
Two specific MPs, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omraje Nimbalkar, announced their departure citing lack of development funds and derogatory remarks from party leadership.
A total of six MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) are reported to be forming a separate group and have met with the Lok Sabha Speaker.
The defecting group aims to merge with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The defection of two-thirds of the parliamentary party members is cited as a mechanism to avoid disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
The process involves coordination with central leadership of the ruling coalition.

02
25 June

Shiv Sena (UBT) request for rebel MPs' letter

Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs petitioned the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding the status of six rebel MPs who claimed to have joined a different faction.
The petitioners sought disclosure of the letter submitted by the rebel MPs and clarification on whether they approached the Speaker as a group or individuals.
The petitioners invoked the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which governs the disqualification of members on the grounds of defection.
The Tenth Schedule provides specific conditions under which a political party may merge with another, requiring formal party-level decisions.
The petitioners raised concerns regarding the transparency of the legislative process followed by the Speaker's office in recognizing changes in party affiliation.

03
29 June

Shiv Sena (UBT) demand for disqualification of rebel MPs

Shiv Sena (UBT) has formally requested the disqualification of six Lok Sabha MPs who defected to the Eknath Shinde-led faction.
The petition for disqualification has been submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker, citing the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution (Anti-Defection Law).
The petitioner argues that the defections undermine the rule of law and the mandate of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The case highlights the ongoing legal and political challenges regarding the interpretation of party splits and mergers under the Anti-Defection Law.

04
1 July

Political realignments in Maharashtra Shiv Sena

Sachin Ahir, an MLC elected in 2022, filed a nomination for the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council.
The nomination was filed under the banner of the faction currently holding the 'bow and arrow' election symbol.
The current leadership claims that legislators elected on the party symbol remain part of the party regardless of internal factional shifts.
The legal argument presented suggests that as long as the party symbol and recognition remain with a specific faction, the legislators elected under that symbol are considered part of that faction, avoiding disqualification issues.
The incident highlights ongoing realignments within the state legislature and the role of symbol recognition in maintaining legislative stability.

05
6 July

Maharashtra legislative switch and Tenth Schedule

The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution provides for the disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection.
Paragraph 5 of the Tenth Schedule provides an exemption from disqualification for the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chairperson, or Deputy Chairperson if they voluntarily give up party membership upon election to the office.
Paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule provides an exemption from disqualification in the event of a merger of the original political party with another political party.
Legal debates persist regarding the 'umbilical cord' between the original political party and the legislature party, as referenced in Supreme Court observations.
Grey areas in the Tenth Schedule continue to create legislative ambiguity during internal party splits and subsequent switches in allegiance by elected representatives.
The Election Commission holds the authority to determine the recognition of political parties and their symbols, which impacts the legal status of legislators during internal party disputes.

06
19 July

Shiv Sena merger approval

Lok Sabha Speaker has authority to approve the merger of MPs from one political faction into another.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat issues circulars to update the official party position and floor strength of political groups in the House.
The Speaker holds the power to recognise new political entities or separate seating arrangements for groups of MPs.
The Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister coordinates with floor leaders of various parties to discuss legislative business and agenda for upcoming Parliamentary sessions.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament is scheduled to commence on July 20.

07
22 July

Supreme Court hearing on Shiv Sena merger

The Supreme Court is considering an urgent plea challenging the Speaker's recognition of a merger involving six out of nine MPs from a legislative faction with a rival group.
The core legal contention involves the interpretation of the 'merger' provision under the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule).
Arguments suggest that the anti-defection law's merger provision is being misused to facilitate horse-trading rather than protecting genuine intra-party dissent.
A key legal distinction is raised between a 'legislative party' merger and a 'political party' merger, with claims that the former is being used to bypass the requirement for the latter.
The judiciary is currently examining the constitutional implications of legislative party mergers, particularly regarding their impact on the democratic setup and the integrity of the anti-defection framework.

08
19 August

Maharashtra Speaker's decision on Shiv Sena split

Maharashtra Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar ruled in 2024 that the faction led by Eknath Shinde constitutes the 'real' political party following a split in June 2022.
The Speaker maintains that the decision was made within the existing legal framework and adhered to guidelines established by the Supreme Court.
The split involved 39 MLAs departing from the original party structure, which subsequently led to the collapse of the state government.
The matter is currently subject to legal scrutiny in the Supreme Court, involving arguments regarding party recognition and the allocation of poll symbols.

Questions from this story

Newest first. A story that ran for 59 days is exactly the kind the mains paper asks about as one question.

Discuss the role of the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly in deciding disputes related to party splits and the recognition of factions under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. 150 words · 19 August
The office of the Speaker is often at the center of constitutional debates regarding the anti-defection law. Analyze the challenges faced by the Speaker in maintaining impartiality while adjudicating disputes involving party factions and the implications of judicial oversight in such matters. 250 words · 19 August
Discuss the constitutional challenges associated with the interpretation of 'merger' under the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. How does the distinction between a legislative party and a political party impact the efficacy of the anti-defection law? 150 words · 22 July
The anti-defection law was intended to curb political instability, yet concerns persist regarding its misuse in the context of legislative mergers. Critically analyze the role of the Speaker in maintaining the sanctity of the Tenth Schedule and suggest reforms to prevent the subversion of the mandate of the electorate. 250 words · 22 July
Discuss the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in maintaining the internal discipline and party-wise composition of the House. How do these administrative decisions impact the legislative functioning of Parliament? 150 words · 19 July
The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution aims to curb defection, yet frequent internal splits within political parties pose challenges to parliamentary stability. Critically examine the role of the Speaker in adjudicating such splits and the need for institutional reforms to ensure the sanctity of the anti-defection law. 250 words · 19 July
Discuss the constitutional provisions under the Tenth Schedule regarding the disqualification of legislators and the specific exemptions provided for presiding officers of the House. 150 words · 6 July
The 'umbilical cord' between the original political party and the legislature party is a critical concept in maintaining the integrity of the anti-defection law. Critically analyze the challenges in implementing the Tenth Schedule during internal party splits and suggest reforms to address the existing legislative grey areas. 250 words · 6 July
Discuss the constitutional and legal implications of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution regarding the split of political parties and the authority of the Election Commission in determining party symbols. 150 words · 1 July
The stability of state governments often faces challenges due to internal legislative realignments. Examine the role of the Speaker and the Election Commission in maintaining the integrity of the anti-defection law while ensuring the democratic mandate of elected representatives is upheld. 250 words · 1 July
Discuss the role of the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in adjudicating disqualification petitions under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution. What are the limitations of this power in the context of intra-party disputes? 150 words · 29 June
The Anti-Defection Law was intended to bring stability to the parliamentary system, yet it remains a subject of frequent litigation. Critically analyze the effectiveness of the Tenth Schedule in curbing political defections and suggest reforms to ensure the impartiality of the adjudicating authority. 250 words · 29 June
Discuss the constitutional provisions under the Tenth Schedule regarding the merger of political parties and the role of the Speaker in ensuring procedural transparency. 150 words · 25 June
Discuss the provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution regarding the disqualification of members of Parliament on the grounds of defection. How does the 'two-thirds' merger clause function as a safeguard against disqualification? 150 words · 22 June

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