17 June,2026 11:22 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Amid speculation over possible defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT), the Uddhav Thackeray-led party on Wednesday criticised the growing trend of political leaders switching allegiances, arguing that defections have become a dominant feature of contemporary politics.
In an editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the party said the political landscape has become increasingly unpredictable, with lawmakers frequently changing sides and smaller political outfits benefiting from large-scale shifts in allegiance.
Referring to recent political developments in West Bengal, the editorial cited the emergence of the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), a relatively lesser-known political organisation, as an example of how rapidly political equations can change.
According to the editorial, the party unexpectedly gained significant parliamentary strength after a group of lawmakers reportedly aligned with it. The Sena (UBT) argued that such developments highlight the changing nature of electoral politics, where political fortunes can shift dramatically within a short period.
The editorial contrasted the development with the experiences of established regional parties, noting that several political organisations have spent decades building their electoral base and legislative presence.
The editorial attributed such political realignments to the strategies adopted by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership at the national level.
It alleged that the rise of smaller parties through the support of defecting lawmakers reflects broader political efforts aimed at weakening opposition parties. The editorial claimed that such developments have altered traditional political structures and encouraged defections as a means of expanding influence.
The Sena (UBT) also questioned the circumstances under which smaller organisations gain legislative strength despite having limited electoral presence in their home states.
A significant portion of the editorial focused on the issue of political loyalty and the increasing frequency of defections.
The party alleged that lawmakers often switch sides for political convenience or personal advantage rather than ideological reasons. According to the editorial, elected representatives who leave the parties on whose symbols they contested elections undermine the trust placed in them by voters.
Without naming individual leaders, the editorial described recent political developments as evidence that defectors have become highly valued in the current political environment.
The Sena (UBT) drew parallels with political developments in Maharashtra, where the party experienced a major split in 2022 after a rebellion led by Eknath Shinde. The editorial also referred to divisions within Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), arguing that regional parties have increasingly faced challenges from internal defections.
According to the editorial, similar patterns have emerged in other states, including Punjab and West Bengal, where opposition parties have witnessed lawmakers shifting allegiances.
The party maintained that such developments have weakened traditional political organisations and altered the balance of power in several states.
The editorial concluded by expressing concern over what it described as the growing acceptance of political defections in public life. It argued that loyalty to political parties and ideological commitments are being replaced by short-term political calculations.
The comments come at a time when Shiv Sena (UBT) is grappling with speculation over a possible rebellion by some of its Lok Sabha MPs. Party leaders have publicly denied claims of an imminent split, even as the leadership takes steps to maintain unity within its parliamentary ranks.
The latest editorial reflects the party's broader criticism of defections and highlights its concerns over the impact such political shifts could have on representative democracy and party-based politics in India.
