The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) crisis has deepened in Maharashtra with dissidents citing fears of a possible merger with the Congress as the trigger for their revolt.
Six lawmakers at the centre of the rebellion have been granted enhanced security cover equivalent to the Y-plus category amid escalating political confrontation.
The rebellion became more apparent after six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs skipped a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi, despite a whip issued by party leadership.
The absence of six MPs was significant because under the anti-defection law, at least two-thirds of a legislature party is required to form a separate group and avoid disqualification.
The rebels have also pointed to Sanjay Raut's reported suggestion that the Trinamool Congress should merge with the Congress, saying it reinforced their fears that a similar move could be attempted within Shiv Sena (UBT).
