19 June,2026 12:42 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande. File Photo
Amid growing speculation over a possible split within Shiv Sena (UBT), Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande on Friday said it would be premature to draw conclusions until the six MPs who skipped the party's parliamentary meeting explain the reasons for their absence.
Her remarks come a day after six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs failed to attend a crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi, triggering fresh political debate over the future of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.
Speaking to ANI, Kayande said it would be inappropriate to comment on the reported split before hearing from the MPs concerned.
"Yesterday, a meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs was called, and six people did not attend. Until they present their views on this matter and why they did not attend, it is difficult for us to comment on it," she said.
The absence of six MPs from the meeting has fuelled speculation that a section of the party's parliamentary wing could be considering a separate political course.
However, no formal announcement has been made by any of the MPs regarding their future plans.
Kayande also criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut over his remarks directed at the absent MPs.
"What more can be expected from Sanjay Raut? This is not the first time he has done this," she said.
Referring to Raut's comments against the dissident MPs, Kayande questioned whether such language was appropriate for a Member of Parliament.
"You are an MP, and the same MLAs elected you to the Rajya Sabha. Does it behove him to abuse those who want to leave the party?" she asked.
She further added, "People are seeing the unparliamentary language he uses."
The political controversy intensified on Thursday when only three of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs attended a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi.
Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje were present at the meeting convened by the party leadership.
The six MPs who remained absent were Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure.
The meeting was held after the party issued a whip directing all MPs to attend.
Following the meeting, Raut said the party had begun disciplinary proceedings against the six absent lawmakers.
"The process for taking action has started," Raut said during a press conference.
"We will make every effort to get them disqualified. If the Speaker of the Lok Sabha works according to the rules, the law, and the Supreme Court's directives, these people will be disqualified," he added.
The party has also issued show-cause notices to the six MPs, seeking explanations for their absence from the meeting.
Meanwhile, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has rejected reports that the six absent MPs were set to formally join the party during its Foundation Day event at NESCO in Mumbai on Friday.
Sources in the Shiv Sena said no such induction programme was planned.
The clarification came after speculation intensified that some MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction could formally switch allegiance to the Shinde camp.
While leaders from both sides continue to trade claims and counterclaims, the absence of six MPs from the parliamentary meeting has kept Maharashtra's political circles focused on the possibility of further developments within the Shiv Sena (UBT).
The responses of the six MPs to the show-cause notices and any future political decisions by them are expected to determine the next phase of the ongoing political standoff.
(With inputs from ANI)
