Shiv Sena Merger Controversy in Lok Sabha

10 UPDATES · 32 DAYS · 11 JUL 2026 — 11 AUG 2026

Shiv SenaEknath ShindeMaharashtraUddhav ThackeraySPNDADevendra FadnavisS Jaishankar

Latest · 11 Aug 2026

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued before the Supreme Court that the Election Commission's recognition of the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the "real Shiv Sena" is unlawful.

What this timeline covers

This event covers the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in the Lok Sabha, including reactions, analyses, and follow-up developments related to this specific occurrence. It excludes other actions by the same people, parties, or regions unless they are direct developments of this particular merger controversy.

The full story, from the beginning

11Jul

STORY BEGINS — NDTV

Six Shiv Sena MPs defect to Eknath Shinde faction in Maharashtra

18Jul

The Hindu

The Lok Sabha Speaker approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, reducing the UBT to three MPs.

NDTV

The Centre invited NCPI MPs to an all-party meeting, prompting a Trinamool Congress response of protest.

Indian Express

Speaker Om Birla approved the merger of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, increasing its Lok Sabha strength to 13.

21Jul

Indian Express

Speaker Om Birla's recognition of the Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs' merger with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena increased the party's Lok Sabha strength.

Indian Express

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant challenged Speaker Om Birla's recognition of a merger between six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Supreme Court.

23Jul

Indian Express

The Supreme Court declined to issue an interim stay on the Lok Sabha Speaker's decision regarding the Shiv Sena merger, underscoring constitutional principles and parliamentary democracy.

27Jul

Indian Express

The Supreme Court issued notice on a plea challenging the interpretation of the Tenth Schedule, specifically regarding mergers and their impact on electoral majorities.

5Aug

The Hindu

The Supreme Court ruled that rebel legislators cannot override their party's directives, even if they hold a majority.

11Aug

LATEST UPDATE — The Hindu

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued before the Supreme Court that the Election Commission's recognition of the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the "real Shiv Sena" is unlawful.

Story concluded