New Delhi, July 16 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant on Thursday alleged that the anti-defection law does not permit MPs to form a separate group and merge with another political party, while urging Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla not to recognise the six party MPs who joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

He said the party has submitted its objections to the Speaker, arguing that only a political party, and not individual members, can merge with another party under the provisions of the anti-defection law. Sawant expressed hope that the Speaker would decide in accordance with the Constitution.

"Everyone knows that six of our MPs have joined the Shinde group. According to the anti-defection law, only a party can merge with another party;...