22 June,2026 01:51 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is set to launch a statewide outreach campaign later this week amid growing signs of rebellion within the party's parliamentary ranks.
The campaign is aimed at strengthening the party organisation and reconnecting with workers across Maharashtra, including in constituencies represented by MPs who are reportedly preparing to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
According to the schedule shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, Thackeray will begin the tour on June 27 with visits to Yavatmal and Washim in the Vidarbha region, followed by Hingoli in Marathwada. On June 28, he is scheduled to visit Parbhani and Dharashiv, while a visit to Shirdi is planned for June 29.
The outreach programme comes at a crucial time for the party as it faces one of its biggest internal challenges since the split in the Shiv Sena.
The campaign follows reports that six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs may switch allegiance to the Shinde-led faction.
The MPs are Yavatmal-Washim MP Sanjay Deshmukh, Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav, Shirdi MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Mumbai North East MP Sanjay Dina Patil and Dharashiv MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar.
The six MPs had skipped the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting, fuelling speculation about a coordinated move away from the party.
Their possible departure would represent a significant setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led organisation and could alter the party's strength in Parliament.
Ahead of the statewide campaign, Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday visited party offices in Bhandup West and Ghatkopar in Mumbai, where he interacted with Shiv Sena (UBT) workers and office-bearers.
During the meetings, he sought to reassure party workers and emphasised the importance of maintaining organisational unity despite the ongoing political developments.
Thackeray also used the occasion to criticise some of the rebel MPs and express disappointment over their reported decision to leave the party.
Addressing party workers, Thackeray accused some leaders of betraying the trust of voters and the party leadership.
"Despite facing betrayal and MPs being sold, the Shivsainiks are still standing firm. I want to apologise for asking you to vote for the traitor. I had campaigned in all Lok Sabha Constituencies. I have given him (Sanjay Dina Patil) a ticket. He increased his price by getting elected, and later he sold himself. This trend is dangerous," he said.
The remarks reflect growing tensions within the party as leaders attempt to contain the fallout from the rebellion.
Thackeray also reiterated his support for the Congress and took aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party during his interaction with workers.
"Does anyone know who the president of the BJP is? No. One day, someone from Congress will be their president. They said Congress Mukt Bharat, but it is BJP yukt Congress."
Meanwhile, Sanjay Dina Patil's daughter, Rajool Patil, met Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree and publicly reaffirmed her loyalty to Shiv Sena (UBT).
Rajool Patil, a core committee member of the Yuva Sena, said she had personally conveyed her position to the party chief.
"I had come to Uddhav ji to present my side, and I told him I am with Shiv Sena (UBT)."
With the rebellion showing no signs of subsiding, Thackeray's statewide tour is expected to focus on boosting worker morale, strengthening the party organisation and demonstrating support in constituencies affected by the ongoing political crisis.
(With inputs from ANI)
