''Speaker will address technical aspects of merger of 6 UBT MPs into Shiv Sena'': Shrikant Shinde
New Delhi, July 19
Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Sunday stated that the Lok Sabha Speaker will address the technical aspects regarding the merger of six MPs from the Shiv Sena faction into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, a move that has increased the party's strength in the lower house to 13.
Speaking on the development, Shinde emphasised that while the administrative process is underway, the political shift is a significant boost for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
"These six MPs have left the UBT faction to join the Shiv Sena, thereby increasing the party's strength from 7 to 13. The Speaker will address the technical aspects of this matter, and work on that front is ongoing," Shinde said.
The Kalyan MP further noted that the increased numerical strength would allow the party to champion the cause of Maharashtra more effectively in Parliament.
"The fact remains that the strength of the Shiv Sena and, by extension, the NDA has significantly increased. These 13 MPs will effectively raise issues concerning their respective constituencies and the state of Maharashtra," he added.
On Saturday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) rebel MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This takes the Shiv Sena's strength to 13, reducing UBT Sena to three members in the Lok Sabha.
The six MPs included Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Rajenimbalkar.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Saturday said the NDA was growing stronger because of people's faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He praised PM Modi's leadership and asserted that the alliance wanted to further strengthen the Prime Minister's hands.
Speaking to ANI, Maharashtra Dy CM said, "The NDA is gaining strength because people have faith in PM Modi. He delivers on his promises and serves the nation with dedication, driving the country forward. Have you ever seen a Prime Minister who hasn't taken a single day off in 12 years? Today, the nation is progressing and moving towards becoming an economic superpower... We are a constituent party of the NDA; ours is a long-standing alliance. We, too, want the NDA to grow stronger, PM Modi's hands to be strengthened, and the country to continue its forward momentum."
Last month, Shiv Sena (UBT) witnessed another split, with six Lok Sabha MPs joining the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP, currently holds 298 seats in the Lok Sabha, including the Speaker.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Strong move by Eknath Shinde to consolidate power. Having 13 MPs gives Shiv Sena real heft in Parliament. The technical aspects about merger are important - Speaker must ensure all rules are followed properly. Maharashtra needs united representation for development projects. Good to see NDA growing stronger under PM Modi's leadership.
I'm tired of these political dramas. MPs joining and leaving parties like it's a cricket match! What about actual issues like unemployment, inflation, farmers? These politicians keep changing sides but the common man's problems remain the same. Kuch toh gadbad hai! 🤔
From 7 to 13 MPs - that's a significant jump. Shrikant Shinde is right that this will help raise Maharashtra's issues more effectively. But I hope these MPs remember they were elected on UBT ticket and actually serve their constituencies. The real test is development work, not just party strength numbers. Let's see what they deliver.
PM Modi's no-day-off work ethic is inspiring! 12 years without a break - that's dedication. NDA growing from strength to strength shows people's faith in his vision. But I also think opposition should be strong for democracy. Hope this merger doesn't completely silence dissent. Balance is key! 👏🇮🇳
Technical aspects are crucial here. Under anti-defection law, merger of 6 MPs must be properly examined. But given Speaker's approval, it seems procedurally correct. From a political perspective, Shinde Faction is consolidating well. Uddhav's camp is shrinking - interesting times for Maharashtra politics! Let's see how this plays
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