Lok Sabha Speaker approves merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. This move significantly alters the party's strength in the Lok Sabha, leaving the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction with only three members.
Why it matters
This shift reflects ongoing political instability and factional realignments within Maharashtra's political landscape, impacting parliamentary representation.
Ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray or UBT) MPs into the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The Shiv Sena (UBT) will now have only three MPs in the Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat on Saturday (July 18, 2026) published a circular with the Shiv Sena’s revised position in the Lok Sabha. The Shiv Sena with floor leader Shrikant Eknath Shinde has 13 MPs, the circular said, suggesting the Lok Sabha Speaker had approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena, as the faction led by Mr. Eknath Shinde is called.
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