Amid increasing political tensions in Maharashtra, the state Home Department has directed the Director General of Police (DGP) to provide enhanced security to six Members of Parliament associated with the Shiv Sena (UBT). The move comes at a time when speculation is growing about a possible split within the party and the future political plans of several MPs.

The six MPs who will receive Y+ security cover are Nagesh Ashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure. The decision was taken by the Maharashtra Home Department and communicated to the state police administration.

The security upgrade comes shortly after a major show of dissent within the Shiv Sena (UBT). On Thursday, six out of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs did not attend a parliamentary party meeting held in Delhi. Their absence has intensified political speculation that they may be preparing to join the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The development has exposed visible divisions within the party’s parliamentary wing. Only three Lok Sabha MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) attended the meeting. These were Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje. The party’s lone Rajya Sabha MP, Sanjay Raut, was also present at the gathering. The absence of the six MPs has raised questions about unity within the party and has fuelled discussions about a possible shift in political loyalties.

Following the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders indicated that disciplinary action could be taken against the absent MPs. Arvind Sawant, who serves as the party’s Lok Sabha floor leader, announced that the party would issue show-cause notices to the six MPs for not attending the meeting despite instructions being issued.

Speaking after the meeting, Sawant said, "They will be asked why they didn't attend the meeting despite a whip being issued in this regard. They will be given seven days to respond and if they do not respond, we will write to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking their disqualification."

His statement makes it clear that the party leadership views the absence of the MPs seriously. The issuance of show-cause notices is expected to be the first formal step in the disciplinary process. The MPs will be required to explain their absence within the stipulated seven-day period.

The warning of possible disqualification has further heightened the political significance of the episode. If the MPs fail to provide a satisfactory explanation, the party may approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and seek action against them under the relevant parliamentary provisions.

The latest developments have added a new dimension to the ongoing political situation in Maharashtra. The decision to provide Y+ security to the six MPs, combined with their absence from the parliamentary party meeting, has drawn significant attention. At the same time, the possibility of the MPs joining Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena continues to remain a subject of intense political discussion.

As events unfold, all eyes will be on the response of the six MPs to the show-cause notices and on the next steps taken by the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership. The episode marks another significant moment in the continuing political developments surrounding the party and its parliamentary members.