10 April,2026 04:11 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. File Pic
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Eknath Shinde on Friday dismissed reports that Members of Parliament (MPs) of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) would join his party, calling the speculation baseless.
In a statement, Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, said reports about a purported meeting between him and Sena (UBT) MPs were "mischievous", reported news agency PTI.
"Rumours are being spread that Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs will split and join the Shiv Sena. These rumours are baseless. The only purpose is to create sensation," Shinde said.
His statement came amid reports that he had held a secret meeting with Sena (UBT) MPs in Thane. There has been speculation that a section of Sena (UBT) may split and join the Shinde-led faction.
The Sena (UBT) currently has 10 Members of Parliament (MPs), including nine in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha.
In 2022, Shinde led a rebellion within the Bal Thackeray-founded Shiv Sena, breaking away from the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray along with a group of MLAs. He subsequently secured control of the party name and its bow-and-arrow symbol.
While Shinde's Shiv Sena is a part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state, Uddhav Thackeray's Sena (UBT) is a constituent of the opposition bloc Maha Vikas Aghadi.
With a clear focus on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Shiv Sena has initiated early groundwork by announcing a comprehensive organisational strategy across Maharashtra. Acting on the directives of party chief and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the party has appointed contact heads for all 48 Lok Sabha constituencies in the state.
In a significant move, the party has entrusted major responsibility to Shiv Sena Parliamentary Party leader Dr Shrikant Shinde. He has been appointed as the contact head for all six Lok Sabha constituencies in Mumbai - Mumbai North, Mumbai North West, Mumbai North Central, Mumbai South Central, North East Mumbai, and South Mumbai - along with the crucial Thane constituency.
To strengthen coordination and grassroots outreach, Dr Shinde will be supported by Minister Yogesh Kadam, Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Nilesh Rane, and former MP Rahul Shewale. This team is expected to streamline campaign efforts and enhance voter engagement in these politically significant regions.
(With PTI inputs)
