Mumbai, 24 June (HS): The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav

Thackeray, is facing a new electoral defeat after numerous MPs switched

allegiance, decreasing the party's parliamentary strength. With only four MPs

remaining, the party fears losing office space in the Parliament House

building, which is usually reserved for parties with at least five MPs.

Separate office space within the Parliament House complex is normally reserved

for parties with five or more MPs, putting the party's present office

allocation at danger. The Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party office is now

located in Room 128A in Samvidhan Sadan, the former Parliament House. Office

adjacent to Room No. 128, was assigned to the undivided Shiv Sena until the

party split. The predicted decline in party strength has raised questions about

whether it will be permitted to remain in government.

Aside from losing office space, the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s

involvement in national political talks may suffer as a result of the decreased

legislative representation. Parties with fewer than five MPs are rarely invited

to all-party discussions hosted by the Centre on major legislative and national

concerns. With official merger clearance still pending, emphasis is now focused

on the Speaker's decision and the ramifications for the party's parliamentary

position.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi