Om Birla approves merger of 6 rebel UBT MPs with Shinde-led Shiv Sena, boosting NDA strength

Speaker clears merger of UBT MPs

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has formally approved the merger of six rebel MPs from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The decision was announced on Saturday, giving a significant boost to the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on the floor of the House.

The six MPs had been publicly backing Shinde's leadership for months. Their formal merger into the Shinde camp now increases the NDA's effective strength in the Lok Sabha. The move comes just as Parliament gears up for the Monsoon Session.

TMC rebel faction's fate remains undecided

While the Speaker acted swiftly on the Shiv Sena merger, he has kept his decision pending on a similar request from a group of rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs. This bloc, which broke away from Mamata Banerjee's party, has also sought recognition as a separate group.

Sources indicate that the Speaker's office is still examining the TMC rebels' petition. The delay has added to the political uncertainty surrounding these MPs, who have been lobbying for official recognition. Their status could shift the arithmetic in the House if a decision is made in their favour.

Rijiju invites rebel TMC bloc to all-party meet

In a related development, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has invited the rebel TMC faction to an all-party meeting. This invitation has sparked a sharp reaction from the main Opposition bloc, which has decided to boycott the meeting over the inclusion of the rebel group.

Opposition parties argue that recognising the rebel TMC MPs as a separate entity undermines the principle of party discipline. They have accused the government of trying to poach Opposition MLAs and MPs to shore up its numbers. The NDA, however, maintains it is following due procedure under the anti-defection law.

Kakoli Ghosh recognised as NCPI chief

In another twist, the Speaker has also recognised Kakoli Ghosh as the leader of the National Congress Party (Indrajit), a breakaway faction of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. This recognition gives Ghosh and her group official standing in the House.

The development is part of a wider pattern of factional realignments in Indian politics. Several regional parties have witnessed splits in recent years, with rebel groups seeking official recognition from the Speaker to secure their political future.

What lies ahead

With the Monsoon Session set to begin, the government now has a more comfortable majority in the Lok Sabha. The Opposition's boycott of the all-party meet signals a combative stance. All eyes will be on the Speaker's next move regarding the TMC rebel MPs, a decision that could either defuse tensions or trigger a fresh political storm.