17 June,2026 11:04 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Amid mounting speculation of a possible split within the Shiv Sena (UBT), the party has issued a whip directing all its Members of Parliament to attend a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi to discuss what it described as "important issues."
Party sources told the leadership could initiate disqualification proceedings against MPs who fail to attend the meeting. The move comes against the backdrop of reports suggesting that several Lok Sabha MPs of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party are considering switching allegiance to the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
According to sources, concerns have grown within the party after reports emerged that six to seven of its nine Lok Sabha MPs may be inclined to join the Shinde camp. Several MPs are currently in New Delhi, further fuelling political speculation, reported PTI.
The issuance of the whip is being viewed as an attempt by the party leadership to demonstrate unity and prevent any potential breakaway group from gaining momentum. The party had adopted a similar strategy during the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde and a group of MLAs, after which disqualification proceedings were initiated against the rebels.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who is currently in New Delhi, took a sharp swipe at those allegedly planning to leave the party.
In a post on X, Raut referred to reports of MPs being flown to Delhi on a chartered aircraft and accused them of forgetting the role played by the Thackeray family in their political rise.
He also criticised the reported operation to attract party legislators and MPs, questioning why those contemplating defection were being portrayed as political heavyweights. Raut warned that those abandoning the party would eventually be held accountable for their actions.
Amid the speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajabhau Waje sought to put rumours to rest by publicly reaffirming his support for Uddhav Thackeray.
Speaking to a television news channel, Waje said he remained firmly with Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) and had not been contacted by any rival political group. He said he was travelling to Delhi to attend a parliamentary committee meeting and would remain in the capital to participate in the party's parliamentary meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Waje also confirmed that he had attended the party meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday.
Late on Tuesday night, Raut alleged that substantial sums of money were being offered to persuade MPs from Maharashtra to switch sides. However, he did not provide evidence to support the claim.
Political speculation intensified after Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik indicated that legislators or MPs joining the Shinde-led party would be welcomed and could be given priority within the organisation.
These developments have strengthened rumours of a coordinated effort to attract MPs from the opposition camp ahead of key political developments in Maharashtra.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him not to recognise any breakaway faction that may claim to represent the party in Parliament.
In his letter, Sawant argued that the authority to appoint leaders, issue whips and determine legislative positions rests with the political party and not with a separate legislature group. He maintained that any attempt by a dissident faction to claim official recognition should not be entertained.
According to Raut, MPs Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waje and Sanjay Patil attended Sunday's meeting in person, while Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Sanjay Deshmukh joined virtually. Another MP, Sanjay Jadhav, reportedly spoke to Uddhav Thackeray over the phone.
As speculation over a possible rebellion continues, the Delhi meeting is expected to be closely watched for signs of either unity or further divisions within the opposition party.
(With inputs from PTI)
