17 June,2026 02:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Dina Patil. Pic/X
Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Dina Patil on Wednesday firmly dismissed speculation linking him to a possible rebellion within the party and reiterated his commitment to the Uddhav Thackeray-led organisation, reported ANI.
His clarification comes amid heightened political uncertainty in Maharashtra, with reports suggesting that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could be considering a switch to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The party leadership, however, has maintained that no official split has taken place.
Responding to reports about his political future, Patil categorically denied being associated with any group of dissident MPs.
"I deny being on any rebel list. I am an MP of Shiv Sena (UBT) and will remain in Shiv Sena (UBT)," Patil said while speaking to ANI.
The statement is being seen as an attempt to dispel rumours that have circulated in recent days regarding the loyalty of some party parliamentarians.
Patil's remarks add to a series of public clarifications issued by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders as the party seeks to counter speculation about a possible split.
The Mumbai North East MP pointed out that he had attended a meeting convened by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence on Sunday.
The meeting assumed significance because it was held amid growing reports of internal unrest within the party's parliamentary ranks. Several MPs participated either in person or virtually, while the leadership used the gathering to assess the political situation and reaffirm unity within the organisation.
Patil's presence at the meeting has been cited by party leaders as evidence of his continued support for the Thackeray camp.
Maharashtra's political landscape has been dominated by discussions surrounding an alleged "Operation Tiger," with reports suggesting that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may be in contact with leaders from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Political observers have drawn comparisons with the events of 2022, when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion that split the undivided Shiv Sena and dramatically altered the state's political equations.
While speculation continues, no MP has publicly announced plans to leave Shiv Sena (UBT), and party leaders insist that reports of a large-scale rebellion remain unverified.
The party has already initiated legal and organisational measures, including issuing a whip and convening a parliamentary party meeting, to prevent any possible defection.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi launched a fresh attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of encouraging political defections.
In a post on X, Chaturvedi used a metaphor involving snakes to caution the BJP against assuming that leaders who switch political loyalties would remain permanently aligned with the party.
Without naming specific individuals, she suggested that political defections could ultimately have consequences for all parties involved.
Her remarks are part of a broader campaign by Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, who have repeatedly alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties through defections and political realignments.
The latest statement from Patil is likely to provide some relief to the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership, which has been working to counter reports of growing dissent within its parliamentary wing.
Senior leaders including Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai have recently met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and urged him to strictly follow constitutional provisions if any group seeks recognition as a separate faction.
The party has also called a meeting of all its Lok Sabha MPs in New Delhi, where leaders are expected to review the political situation and discuss future strategy.
As speculation over a possible split continues to dominate Maharashtra politics, Patil's public declaration of loyalty strengthens the party's effort to project unity and reassure supporters that its parliamentary ranks remain intact.
(With inputs from ANI)
