Shiv Sena (UBT) has intensified its action against absentee MPs by issuing fresh show-cause notices and warning them of possible disqualification under the anti-defection law. The party’s Chief Whip in the Lok Sabha, Anil Desai, has served formal notices to the MPs, seeking an explanation for their absence and conduct. They have been given 24 hours to submit a written response.
The notice states that if the MPs fail to respond within the stipulated time, the party will treat it as evidence that they have voluntarily given up their membership.
In such a case, the Shiv Sena (UBT) will initiate proceedings against them under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification on grounds of defection.
The move comes amid growing speculation over possible defections from the UBT camp and the buzz surrounding the alleged “Operation Tiger” outreach by the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.