Shiv Sena issues a new whip, has BJP guessing ahead of vote

In an overnight twist to its earlier stand of supporting the BJP-led NDA government during the opposition sponsored no-trust motion, the Shiv Sena has withdrawn its earlier whip in this regard.

The whip issued by Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party chief Chandrakant Khaire on July 18 had asked its MPs to be present on July 19-20 and support the government's stand. However, when Sena president Uddhav Thackeray got the whiff of it, he reprimanded them and sought urgent amends. DNA is in possession of both the whips.

The new whip, issued on Thursday afternoon, states that all 18 MPs need to be present till adjournment on Friday and "follow the directive given to them by the party high command during voting on the legislative business". The new whip states that the earlier whip issued on July 18 stands cancelled.

The bickering between Sena and BJP is not new. Thackeray was reportedly upset with media stories of BJP chief Amit Shah's phone call to him, seeking support on the floor of House.

Party insiders confirmed that there was no call from Shah.

Shiv Sena group leader in the Lok Sabha Anand Adsul said, "The earlier whip is cancelled. We will abide by the party high command and accordingly vote tomorrow." A Sena MP privy to this development admitted to DNA that the earlier whip was a mere goof up. Sena leader Sanjay Raut said, "A decision has been taken. The party will disclose its stand on the floor of the House tomorrow."