Goa, July 18 -- In a significant political boost for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and a setback for Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has recognised the merger of six rebel MPs with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The decision formally validates their switch under the anti-defection law ahead of Parliament's Monsoon Session beginning July 20.

The six MPs had left the Uddhav Thackeray camp last month and joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, increasing the faction's strength in the Lok Sabha to 13 members.

Earlier this week, Shinde had expressed confidence that the merger would receive the Speaker's approval, asserting that the process was conducted in a legally sound manner. He said the MPs had joine...