Five Shiv Sena-UBT MPs in rebel move; anti-defection law requires six for immunity

A rebel faction within Shiv Sena-UBT involving five MPs has emerged, raising questions about the party's parliamentary strength. Under India's anti-defection law, a minimum of six MPs from the nine-member Shiv Sena-UBT contingent would need to move together to form a separate group without facing disqualification.

The development highlights the fragile political position of the UBT faction within the Lok Sabha. With only five MPs in the rebel camp, they fall short of the constitutional threshold needed to protect themselves from disqualification under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.