On Thursday night, the Office of the Additional Commissioner of Police (Special Branch), Mumbai, had issued an advisory ahead of the Shiv Sena Foundation Day celebrations scheduled for Friday, warning of possible law and order implications in the city

The added security arrangements come amid reports and political discussions suggesting that some MPs from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction may join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena during the programme

A large number of party leaders, workers, and supporters from across Maharashtra are expected at the venue

The police have highlighted that, due to the ongoing political speculation, there is a possibility of protests, counter-protests and demonstrations by rival groups

It further notes that supporters of the Thackeray faction may stage agitation against the Shinde faction’s celebrations, while political events and celebrations by the ruling faction could lead to face-to-face confrontations between supporters of both groups

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction will organise a separate programme at Shanmukhanand Hall, Sion, shortly

The Maharashtra Police also accorded Y-Plus security cover to six rebel Members of Parliament (MPs) of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)

Workers of the Shiv Sena gather during the party's 60th Foundation Day celebrations at the Nesco Centre in Goregaon East 

A letter signed by Shirish Jain, commissioner of intelligence, said the Y-Plus security has been provided to Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai-North East), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli), and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar (Osmanabad)

The letter, dated June 17 (Wednesday), stated that Y-Plus security should be extended to these MPs with immediate effect. The decision comes amid rising political tensions within the Shiv Sena (UBT) following signs of internal dissent