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The MPs are likely to meet at the residence of Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, with Eknath Shinde also expected to be present.
Shiv Sena has already experienced a devastating split once, even rumours of a fresh rebellion are enough to trigger alarm within the organisation.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Split: Four years after the revolt that split the Shiv Sena into two factions and reshaped Maharashtra politics, Uddhav Thackeray is once again facing the possibility of defections within his party. The buzz intensified after reports emerged that several party MPs are likely to meet Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Speculation is rife that six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs elected on the Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket in 2024 and as many as 14-16 MLAs could leave the Uddhav camp and align with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the coming days, most probably ahead of June 19, the foundation day of the Shiv Sena, India Today reported citing sources.
Read More: The Domino Effect: Why Another Split In Uddhav’s Shiv Sena Could Hurt More In Delhi Than Maharashtra
As per sources, two MPs have already reached the national capital , while others are expected to arrive later in the day. The MPs are likely to meet at the residence of Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, with Eknath Shinde also expected to be present. The rebel leaders would likely meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at 11 am today.
While no formal split has taken place yet, the buzz has become strong enough for party leaders to convene emergency meetings and issue public denials.
Several MPs Reported Missing
The speculation of defection gained momentum after five of the party’s nine MPs were reportedly absent from a recent meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said four of the MPs attended the meeting virtually, while another MP had spoken to Thackeray over the phone.
Despite the clarification, rumours of defections continued after party MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav from the Shinde camp. Deshmukh later said the meeting was non-political.
Uddhav Thackeray’s Stern Message
Amid the uncertainty, Uddhav Thackeray reportedly told party MPs that those wishing to leave were free to do so. Referring to the 2022 rebellion, he said he had been aware of the developments at the time but chose not to pressure anyone into staying with the party.
“A major split took place in the party four years ago. Forty MLAs walked away. Do you think I was unaware of what was happening?” Thackeray told MPs.
Read More: ‘Those Who Want To Leave Can Go’: Uddhav Thackeray’s Message To Party MPs Amid ‘Op Tiger’ Buzz
He is also said to have remarked that those who abandoned Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena would eventually regret their decision, but by then it would be too late.
“Today may not be my time, but tomorrow certainly will be. Until then, we will have to endure and persevere,” he added.
What Shiv Sena Leaders Said?
Several Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have, however, dismissed reports of an impending split. Party leader Anil Desai said all MPs continue to have faith in Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and described the speculation as baseless. Aaditya Thackeray has also rejected claims that MPs are preparing to switch sides.
However, Sanjay Raut alleged that attempts were being made to lure UBT MPs with large sums of money amid speculation that a section of his party’s Lok Sabha MPs could switch allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
Read More: Operation Tiger And The Ghost Of 2022: Why Uddhav Thackeray Is Battling Fresh Defection Fears
In a late-night post on X, Raut claimed that an advance payment of Rs 15 crore was being offered to MPs to facilitate defections.
Party leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also reacted and said, “The BJP should not remain under the illusion that by assembling a gang of cobras, they will feed the snakes milk and they will only bite the opposition. Your time will also come because it is the nature of a snake to bite; if today is our turn, tomorrow could be yours too.”
भाजपा इस भ्रम में ना रहे के सपोलों की टोली जमा करके, साँपों को दूध पिलायेंगे और वह सिर्फ़ विपक्ष को डसेंगे। आपका समय भी आयेगा क्योंकि साँप की फ़ितरत ही डँसना है, आज अगर हमारी बारी है , कल आपकी भी हो सकती है।— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) June 17, 2026
What Happened In 2022?
In June 2022, Eknath Shinde revolted against Uddhav Thackeray while he was a senior leader in the Shiv Sena. The rebellion gained the support of 40 out of the party’s 55 MLAs, leading to the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government headed by Uddhav Thackeray.
Read More: Shinde Aims For 6 MPs, Uddhav Looks To Save 9 In Time: Why The Bid Matters Beyond The Numbers
The split soon extended beyond the Maharashtra Assembly. Over time, most of the Shiv Sena’s organisational network, a majority of its elected representatives, and eventually the party’s official name and bow-and-arrow symbol were awarded to the Shinde faction through decisions by constitutional authorities.
Following the setback, Uddhav Thackeray rebuilt his political outfit under the name Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), relying on the Thackeray family’s legacy, support from party workers and public sympathy after the split.
About the Author
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degre…Read More
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