As the Lok Sabha began the debate on the no-confidence motion against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, Shiv Sena decided to abstain from voting.

Maharashtra-based Shiv Sena, who is still a part of the ruling NDA on papers with its 18 MPs in Lok Sabha, has been a vocal critic of the Modi government since last few years.

In an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamna, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thakrey said, "The BJP has the numbers to sail through the no-confidence motion. But the purpose of the motion is not to pull down the ruling government but thrash them publicly over its wrongdoings."

Yesterday, the Sena’s chief whip in the Lok Sabha Chandrakant Khaire issued a whip to MPs asking them to be present in the House when the motion was discussed and support the government.

However, Shiv Sena shifted its stance and said that MPs will be absent from the Lok Sabha proceedings today, but will take part in the debate.

Apart from Shiv Sena, Biju Janta Dal (BJD), which has 19 MPs in the lower house, chose to boycott the proceedings.

The boycott by Shiv Sena and BJD further brings down the majority mark for the 535-member Lok Sabha to 496.

The ruling NDA now stands at 296 seats against 147 seats of Congress and other opposition parties supporting the no-confidence motion. While the parties not aligned with either of the sides have 53 MPs.

First Published:Jul 20, 2018 12:54 PM IST