Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs May Join Shinde Camp, Raising Threat of Another Split

The Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray is facing the possibility of another major political setback, with six of its seven Lok Sabha MPs reportedly preparing to join the rival Shiv Sena faction headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The development, if formalized, would significantly weaken Thackeray’s presence in Parliament and mark a fresh chapter in the political battle that began with the 2022 split in the party.

According to reports, the MPs considering a move to the Shinde-led camp include Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli), Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), and Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani). Sources suggest that the legislators are in advanced discussions and could formally announce their decision soon.

The six MPs are reportedly planning to first form a separate group within Parliament before merging with the Shinde faction. Such a move could help them avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws by meeting the required threshold for a split. Another MP, Rajabhau Waje from Nashik, is also believed to be under pressure from both camps, although his position remains unclear.

The reported rebellion has triggered alarm within the Uddhav Thackeray camp. Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has dismissed speculation about an imminent split and insisted that party MPs remain loyal to Thackeray. However, reports of meetings between rebel MPs and leaders of the Shinde faction have fueled uncertainty.

The development is particularly significant because it mirrors the events of 2022, when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion involving a large number of Shiv Sena MLAs, resulting in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and a split in the party. Since then, both factions have been locked in a struggle over the Shiv Sena’s identity, symbols, and political legacy.

If the six MPs formally cross over, Eknath Shinde’s faction would gain a stronger foothold in Parliament, while Uddhav Thackeray would suffer another major erosion of support ahead of key political battles in Maharashtra and at the national level.