19 June,2026 05:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena MLA Murji Patel. FILE PIC
Mumbai Shiv Sena legislator Murji Patel on Friday asserted that the real picture of political realignment in the Shiv Sena is yet to unfold, claiming that more leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray faction will soon join the Eknath Shinde-led party.
In a sharp message to the opposition faction, Patel said, "You've only seen the trailer, the full picture is still yet to come. The âTiger team' has just begun; in the next few days, you will see more."
Speaking to the media in Mumbai, the Member of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) added that some Members of Parliament (MPs) have already joined their side and more MLAs are expected to follow suit shortly.
"After that, corporators will follow. In the end, there will be only one Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, and it will be our Shiv Sena," he declared.
Patel further warned that the remaining members of the Uddhav faction "will disappear here in a few days".
The statement comes amid ongoing efforts by both factions of the Shiv Sena to strengthen their respective bases ahead of future political battles in Maharashtra.
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has been aggressively positioning itself as the original and dominant force in the state.
Amid growing speculation over a possible split in Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) following the absence of six party MPs from a parliamentary board meeting, Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande on Friday said it would be premature to comment on the matter until the absent MPs explain their absence.
Speaking to ANI, Kayande said, "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."
Reacting to remarks made by party MP Sanjay Raut against the rebel lawmakers, Kayande criticised Raut's language and conduct.
"What more can be expected from Sanjay Raut? This is not the first time he has done this," she said.
"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?" Kayande added.
She also questioned Raut's choice of words in public discourse, saying, "People are seeing the unparliamentary language he uses."
Her remarks come amid growing political speculation over internal differences within Shiv Sena (UBT), triggered by the absence of several MPs from a party meeting and subsequent comments by senior leaders.
(With IANS and ANI inputs)
