16 June,2026 10:47 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that India's democratic and political systems are witnessing a gradual decline amid increasing political defections, institutional inaction and efforts to weaken opposition parties.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit claimed that public attention was being diverted from critical national issues through politically driven controversies, while more significant concerns were receiving limited scrutiny.
The editorial argued that developments in the country's political landscape reflected a worrying trend towards greater centralisation of power and raised concerns about the future of democratic institutions.
The editorial criticised what it described as disproportionate media attention on political defections and internal party developments.
According to Shiv Sena (UBT), issues related to lawmakers changing political affiliations have dominated news coverage, while other matters of public importance have not received similar attention.
The party alleged that political controversies are increasingly being amplified in ways that distract from broader governance and policy concerns, though it did not provide evidence for all of its claims.
A major focus of the editorial was the BJP's alleged strategy of encouraging defections from opposition parties.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed that efforts were underway to weaken regional and opposition parties across the country by persuading elected representatives to switch allegiance.
Referring to recent political developments, the editorial alleged that the BJP was attempting to expand its influence by attracting leaders from rival parties, including regional formations.
The party further claimed that such actions were being portrayed as political growth and development while, in its view, undermining the spirit of competitive democracy.
The editorial also criticised the functioning of constitutional and legislative institutions dealing with party defections.
According to Shiv Sena (UBT), anti-defection provisions contained in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution are not being enforced effectively. The party alleged that legislative authorities have failed to act decisively in cases involving political defections, allowing lawmakers to switch parties without facing timely consequences.
The editorial further questioned the role of institutions such as the Election Commission and the judiciary, though it did not provide specific examples to support all of its assertions.
The Thackeray-led party alleged that the BJP's long-term objective is to establish political dominance across the country by reducing the influence of regional parties.
According to the editorial, regional political formations play a crucial role in reflecting India's diversity and federal structure. It argued that attempts to weaken such parties could alter the country's political balance and reduce the space for regional representation.
The article claimed that India's political culture has historically been shaped by multiple parties representing varied regional and social interests, and warned against any move towards excessive concentration of political power.
The editorial also criticised the government over several economic and social issues, including inflation, unemployment, examination paper leaks and crimes against women.
According to Shiv Sena (UBT), these issues require greater public and political attention than ongoing discussions around defections and political realignments.
The party argued that public debate should remain focused on governance, economic challenges and citizen welfare rather than being dominated by political manoeuvring.
The latest editorial reflects the continuing political confrontation between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the BJP, particularly in Maharashtra, where both parties remain key rivals following the split in the Shiv Sena and subsequent political realignments in the state.
As political activity intensifies ahead of future electoral contests, issues such as defections, coalition politics and the role of institutions are likely to remain central themes in the debate between the ruling party and opposition groups.
The BJP has repeatedly rejected similar allegations made by opposition parties in the past, maintaining that leaders who join the party do so voluntarily and in response to political and ideological considerations. The party has also defended its governance record and denied accusations that democratic institutions are being undermined.
(With inputs from IANS)
