NDA ranks boosted as Om Birla okays 6 rebel UBT MPs joining Shiv Sena
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla approved the joining of six rebel UBT MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, enhancing the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) strength. This decision allows the MPs to align with the NDA on crucial votes, although Birla has yet to finalize the merger of 20 rebel Trinamool Congress MPs with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India. The recognition of the rebel TMC faction's demand for separate seating further solidifies their voting power within the alliance.