18 June,2026 01:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Arvind Sawant. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant on Thursday warned that action would be taken against any MP who violates the party whip, as the Uddhav Thackeray-led party sought to contain speculation of a possible rebellion within its parliamentary ranks.
The remarks came ahead of a crucial meeting of the Shiv Sena (UBT) Parliamentary Party in New Delhi, called amid reports that a section of the party's Lok Sabha MPs could be planning to form a separate group.
The meeting, held at the party's Parliament office at 11 am, was convened after the party issued a mandatory three-line whip directing all MPs to attend.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Sawant said the party would not hesitate to act against MPs who fail to comply with the directive.
"Action will be taken against those who violate the whip, after consulting the party chief (Uddhav Thackeray)," Sawant said.
The party leadership has viewed attendance at the meeting as a key test of loyalty amid continuing reports of political realignments and possible defections.
The whip was issued a day after speculation intensified that a section of MPs was exploring options outside the party.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said the whip had been issued because several important issues needed to be discussed by the parliamentary party.
According to Raut, the party ensured that all MPs received the directive through multiple channels.
"The whip has reached all MPs. It has been sent to their homes, emailed, and also sent on WhatsApp," he said.
The leadership has sought to ensure there is no ambiguity regarding attendance requirements as the party attempts to project unity.
The developments came amid reports that a group of dissident Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had informally met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and claimed the support of six of the party's nine MPs.
While there has been no official confirmation of such a meeting, the reports heightened concerns within the party and prompted the leadership to accelerate its response.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have repeatedly maintained that no MP has officially informed the party of any intention to leave.
The party has also urged the Speaker to strictly adhere to constitutional provisions if any group seeks recognition as a separate bloc.
Raut adopted a tough stance against those allegedly attempting to leave the party and said the issue had been discussed with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar.
According to Raut, both leaders agreed that those accused of betraying the party should not be spared politically.
He claimed Pawar had indicated his willingness to campaign in the constituencies of MPs who decide to leave the party.
"A lesson needs to be taught to these MPs," Raut said.
The remarks reflected growing frustration within the opposition alliance over reports of attempts to engineer defections.
Sawant also referred to the late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray while discussing party discipline and defections.
He said Bal Thackeray had often taken a strong stand against elected representatives who switched political loyalties after being elected on the party's ticket.
The comments came as the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership continued its efforts to rally support among MPs and workers amid fears of another split similar to the rebellion led by Eknath Shinde in 2022.
With speculation continuing over the loyalty of some lawmakers, the parliamentary party meeting is being seen as a critical moment for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. The outcome is expected to determine whether the party can successfully contain the rebellion rumours and maintain unity within its parliamentary ranks.
(With inputs from PTI)
