18 June,2026 11:10 AM IST | Dhule | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. File Pic
Political uncertainty surrounding the Shiv Sena (UBT) deepened on Thursday after Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed that six MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party had expressed confidence in Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and joined his faction.
The claim comes amid intense speculation over a possible split in the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s parliamentary wing, although no official announcement confirming such a move had been made by the MPs concerned at the time of Raghuvanshi's statement.
Speaking to reporters in Dhule, Raghuvanshi said what has been described in political circles as "Operation Tiger" had effectively succeeded.
"Six MPs have expressed confidence in Eknath Shinde and joined Shiv Sena. I welcome them," he said.
The Shiv Sena legislator did not identify the MPs he was referring to, nor did he provide details about when or how the alleged shift took place.
His remarks came even as the Shiv Sena (UBT) was holding a crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi to assess support among its Lok Sabha members and address reports of a possible rebellion.
Raghuvanshi argued that elected representatives seeking to carry out development work should align themselves with the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance.
He claimed that many public representatives believe they can better serve their constituencies by being part of the ruling coalition and suggested that Eknath Shinde's leadership had emerged as a natural choice for those identifying with the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, reported ANI.
The comments reflect the ruling alliance's attempt to project itself as the primary political platform for leaders seeking influence and development funds.
The latest claim has added fresh momentum to speculation surrounding an alleged effort to attract MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.
Reports over the past few days have suggested that several of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs may be in contact with leaders from the Eknath Shinde camp. The reports have drawn comparisons with the 2022 rebellion that split the undivided Shiv Sena and dramatically altered Maharashtra's political landscape.
However, several MPs, including Rajabhau Waje and Sanjay Dina Patil, have publicly denied reports linking them to any rebellion and reaffirmed their loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership has also maintained that no official split has taken place.
In response to the speculation, the party issued a whip directing all MPs to attend a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi.
Senior leaders including Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai have also 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 argued that individual groups of legislators cannot independently claim recognition and that any merger must comply with constitutional and anti-defection requirements.
The outcome of the parliamentary party meeting is expected to provide greater clarity on the actual strength of the Uddhav Thackeray camp.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, alleging that his style of politics and public statements were contributing to the weakening of the party.
Responding to questions regarding reports of internal unrest, Jadhav said any representations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were an internal matter and that the final decision would rest with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
He also referred to the upcoming Shiv Sena Foundation Day celebrations on June 19 and said those who believe in Bal Thackeray's ideology would participate in the event, an apparent reference to the Eknath Shinde-led faction.
Thursday is emerging as a crucial day for Shiv Sena (UBT), with the parliamentary party meeting expected to reveal whether the party can maintain unity or faces another significant split.
While leaders from the Shinde camp are claiming growing support among Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction continues to insist that reports of a mass defection are exaggerated.
Political observers are now closely watching developments in New Delhi, where the attendance and positions taken by MPs could determine the future course of one of Maharashtra's most significant political battles.
(With inputs from ANI)
