Shiv Sena UBT Split Tests Anti-Defection Law and Maharashtra's Political Stability

Hindustan Times - India · 18 Jun 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Polity and constitution High relevance

Six out of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs reportedly formed a separate group to merge with Eknath Shinde's faction, triggering a political crisis in Maharashtra and raising questions about compliance with the Tenth Schedule's anti-defection provisions.

Key points

Anti-Defection Law: The split involves six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs forming a separate group to avoid disqualification under the Tenth Schedule, which mandates a two-thirds majority for a valid split.

Lok Sabha Speaker's Role: The Speaker's discretion in recognizing the new group is crucial, as only the original party can merge under the anti-defection law, not individual MPs.

Political Allegations: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged MPs were offered ₹50 crore each to defect, highlighting the ethical and governance challenges in political defections.

Maharashtra's Political Instability: This is the third major political crisis in Maharashtra since 2022, following splits in Shiv Sena and NCP, undermining governance and policy continuity.

Constitutional Implications: The case tests the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule, particularly whether individual MPs can merge without the original party's consent.

[GS2-Governance] The episode reflects systemic issues in party discipline and electoral accountability, relevant for governance questions on political ethics and reforms.

[GS3-Security] Political instability in Maharashtra could impact internal security and economic policies, given the state's strategic importance.

Historical Context: The Shiv Sena has faced multiple splits since Bal Thackeray's era, reflecting deeper ideological and organizational fractures within regional parties.

Way Forward: Strengthen the anti-defection law by mandating immediate disqualification for defectors, introducing intra-party democracy to reduce factionalism, and establishing an independent tribunal to adjudicate defection cases swiftly.

Key terms

Tenth Schedule

The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, added by the 52nd Amendment Act (1985), contains anti-defection laws to prevent political defections. It mandates disqualification of legislators who voluntarily give up party membership or vote against party directives, unless two-thirds of a party's members merge with another group. Its UPSC relevance lies in preserving political stability and ethical governance.

Lok Sabha Speaker

The Speaker of the Lok Sabha is the presiding officer responsible for maintaining order, interpreting rules, and deciding on disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. The role is constitutionally significant (Articles 93-96) as it ensures parliamentary decorum and adjudicates critical matters like defection cases, impacting legislative functioning.

Shiv Sena

A right-wing regional party founded in 1966 by Bal Thackeray, based in Maharashtra. It advocates Marathi pride and Hindutva ideology. Its UPSC relevance stems from its role in coalition politics, influence on Maharashtra's governance, and frequent splits testing anti-defection laws.

Eknath Shinde

Current Maharashtra Deputy CM and leader of the Shiv Sena faction that split from Uddhav Thackeray in 2022. His rebellion led to the collapse of the MVA government, highlighting the fragility of coalition politics and the strategic use of anti-defection provisions.