18 June,2026 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Thursday initiated disciplinary proceedings against six Lok Sabha MPs who skipped a key parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi, amid escalating speculation over a possible rebellion within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.
The development came after the party convened an important meeting of its parliamentary wing at 11 am in the national capital and issued a three-line whip directing all MPs to attend.
Party leaders said show-cause notices had been issued to the absent lawmakers, seeking explanations for their failure to attend despite being formally informed about the meeting.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai confirmed that disciplinary action had begun against those who did not attend.
"The meeting just got over, show-cause notice was sent today," Desai said.
When asked what action would be taken against the absent MPs, he replied, "Action is this only: show-cause notice. Why didn't you come? That will be asked. Notice will be given to everyone who didn't come."
Desai further clarified that the party would seek an explanation from each MP who remained absent despite receiving information about the meeting.
"Yes, notice will be given to all," he said.
Desai said the notices would ask lawmakers why they failed to attend despite being informed through multiple channels.
"Questions will be like: you were informed, you were messaged, you were WhatsApped, you received it too. And you didn't give any reason if you were coming or not, so your absence will be looked at that way," he said.
The party leadership had earlier stated that attendance at the meeting was mandatory and linked compliance with the whip to party discipline.
The move is being viewed as part of the Sena (UBT)'s efforts to prevent a possible split in its parliamentary ranks.
After participating in the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajabhau Waje said six MPs did not attend the gathering.
The meeting was convened against the backdrop of reports suggesting that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmakers could break away and align with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The absence of six MPs is likely to intensify political speculation over the future of the party's parliamentary unit and whether a separate group is being planned.
However, the party leadership has not officially confirmed that any of the absent MPs intend to leave the organisation.
Ahead of the meeting, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut had taken a tough stand on attendance and loyalty within the party.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "Jo aayenge wo hamare, nahi aayenge wo beimaan-gaddar" (Those who attend are ours; those who do not are dishonest and traitors).
The remarks came as the party leadership attempted to rally support and counter reports of an alleged "Operation Tiger" aimed at attracting Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to the rival camp.
Raut has repeatedly alleged that efforts are being made to engineer defections, although no evidence has been publicly presented to support those claims.
The parliamentary meeting was called after days of political uncertainty and claims that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were in contact with leaders from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
To demonstrate unity, the party issued a three-line whip and directed all MPs to attend the meeting at its Parliament office in New Delhi.
With six MPs remaining absent and show-cause notices now issued, the focus will shift to their responses and the next steps taken by the party leadership.
The development marks a significant escalation in the internal crisis facing Shiv Sena (UBT), with the coming days expected to determine whether the party can contain the dissent or faces another major split in its ranks.
(With inputs from ANI)
