Amid indications of a crisis in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), senior party leaders and the rebel camp on Wednesday met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla separately, the former urging him to prevent unlawful defections while the latter claiming the support of six MPs.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, along with Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, called on Birla earlier on Wednesday and urged him to prevent any unlawful defection amid reports of its lawmakers considering to switch to the ruling Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde.
Meanwhile, according to sources, a group of rebel leaders of the party met the Speaker later in the day and claimed the support of six of the party's nine MPs in the Lok Sabha.
While there was no official word from either side on what transpired in the meetings with the Speaker, Uddhav Thackeray loyalist Sanjay Raut said the party has not heard from anyone planning to switch sides.
Raut said Birla assured the delegation that any decision would be taken after considering all legal aspects.
"The speaker is a respectable person and he told us that he would keep in mind all aspects if anyone comes to meet him," Raut said.
After the meeting, Lok Sabha MP Desai said the delegation submitted a representation highlighting provisions of the anti-defection law.
"Under the law, one cannot simply merge with a party even if they have the support of two-thirds of the MPs. Only the original party can merge if a group has the required two-thirds strength," he said.
"The discretion lies with the speaker. So if a group claiming to have two-thirds support approaches to merge with another party, that group cannot be recognised under the rules as only the original party can merge under the provisions. Even if there are six MPs, it does not matter," Desai added.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha, meaning at least six lawmakers would need to move together to seek protection from disqualification under anti-defection provisions.
Among the party's Lok Sabha MPs, Rajabhau Waje has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. The remaining six MPs are being viewed as potential defectors.
Earlier in the day, Raut alleged that attempts were being made to lure Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with monetary offers.
"I was told that the rate is Rs 50 crore and that Rs 15 crore each would be delivered by tonight. They were allegedly unwilling to board the aircraft without receiving the money," Raut said.
A three-line whip has been issued to all Sena (UBT) MPs, directing them to attend a meeting of its parliamentary party on Thursday.
"Things will become clear after Thursday's meeting," Raut said, adding that the MPs have been directed to attend the meeting in person.
(With inputs from PTI)