It is possible that the Shiv Sena’s big division could have an indirect effect on Presidential elections in terms of the voting patterns for party members. Uddhav Thackeray, the Sena leader, was part of opposition deliberations. He supported the candidacy of Yashwant Singhha as joint opposition candidate. Eknath Shinde’s rebellion, now Maharashtra Chief Minister can lead to some party members voting for Droupadi Murmu, NDA candidate.
The whip is not required for presidential elections, and MPs are free to vote as they please.
Yesterday, an MP from Shiv Sena asked Mr Thackeray for his support in voting for NDA candidates. Sena MP Rahul Shewale sent a letter to Mr Thackeray stating that “in view of her (tribal] background and contributions to the social sector”, he asked him to support Murmu.
It was stated in the letter that rebels may have more MPs.
Arvind Sawant, Shiv Sena MP, and Uddhav Thackeray loyalist Arvind sawant said that they were aware of this possibility in an interview with Bibarud.