UBT Leaders Meet Lok Sabha Speaker Over Alleged Defection of MPs

New Delhi, June 24: Leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to discuss the alleged defection of party MPs. They urged the Speaker to ensure that any decisions made regarding this matter adhere to constitutional provisions and anti-defection laws.

After the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai spoke to reporters, emphasizing that all nine MPs were elected under the Shiv Sena (UBT) name and symbol, ‘Mashal’, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He stated that any changes must follow constitutional procedures.

Desai highlighted that the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution clearly outlines provisions regarding defection. He asserted that no group of legislators or MPs, regardless of their numbers, can merge directly into another party. He stressed the importance of adhering to constitutional rules in this matter.

Desai reported that the Lok Sabha Speaker assured them that any decision would be based strictly on the rules and provisions outlined in the Constitution. The Speaker’s office has committed to reviewing the relevant documents and providing necessary information.

He mentioned that if any application had been submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker, its contents would be investigated. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders are now awaiting the progression of this process.

Meanwhile, Arvind Sawant reiterated that he had previously sent a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding the inclusion of some MPs in another party. He emphasized that it is the Speaker’s responsibility to uphold the Constitution and that any transition of MPs or groups to another party should follow constitutional procedures.

Sawant noted that on June 18, he and Anil Desai had submitted a request to the Lok Sabha Speaker, urging that no decision be made without hearing the party’s perspective. He inquired during the meeting whether any formal letter or application had been submitted by the concerned MPs.

According to Sawant, the Lok Sabha Speaker indicated that no formal letter had yet been received in this regard. He mentioned that discussions on the relevant constitutional provisions also took place during the meeting.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders maintain that the final decision regarding the MPs leaving the party should be in accordance with the Constitution and anti-defection laws.