Speaker Om Birla Approves Shiv Sena Merger, Allots Separate Seats to Rebel TMC MPs

Ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena , while also allowing 20 rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs to sit separately in the Lok Sabha after they joined the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI) , according to official sources.

The Speaker's decision significantly reshapes the parliamentary strength of the two parties. Following the approval, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena's strength in the Lok Sabha has increased from seven to 13 MPs , while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has been reduced to just three members in the House.

Sources said the decision was taken after the Speaker examined the relevant constitutional provisions, parliamentary precedents and legal opinions. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has since updated the party position to reflect the merger, strengthening the Shinde faction's position within the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

In a separate development, 20 rebel TMC lawmakers have been allotted separate seating in the Lok Sabha after breaking away from the Trinamool Congress and aligning with the NCPI , a relatively lesser-known political outfit. However, officials clarified that the seating arrangement does not amount to formal recognition of the MPs as an NCPI parliamentary group .

The rebels' request to be officially recognised as members of the NCPI in the Lok Sabha remains under consideration, and no final decision has been announced. Until then, they will function independently in the House while sitting separately from the parent TMC.

The Speaker's decisions come amid an ongoing political and legal battle. Both Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Trinamool Congress have sought the disqualification of the rebel MPs under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution , commonly known as the anti-defection law. Before announcing his decision, Speaker Birla reportedly met delegations from both the parent parties and the rebel groups.

The developments are expected to have significant political implications during the upcoming Monsoon Session, particularly as questions over the anti-defection law and the recognition of breakaway factions continue to generate legal and political debate.