'If They Want to Leave, Let Them Go': Uddhav Thackeray Breaks Silence Amid MP Defection Buzz
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has addressed growing speculation over possible defections from his party, saying he will not stop anyone who wishes to walk away.
Speaking to party MPs during a recent meeting, Thackeray said political loyalty cannot be enforced and that leaders who no longer wish to remain with the party are free to take their own path. He maintained that forcing people to stay serves no purpose if they have already made up their minds.
Recalling the dramatic split that rocked the Shiv Sena in 2022, Thackeray said he was aware of the developments long before the rebellion became public. However, he chose not to use pressure tactics or investigations against those considering a different political future.
The remarks come at a time when fresh reports have emerged suggesting that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could be in touch with the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Political chatter intensified after only a handful of the party's Lok Sabha MPs attended a recent meeting in Mumbai in person, while several others joined virtually. The development fuelled speculation about a possible move by rival camps to attract MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit.
Despite the rumours, senior party leaders have dismissed claims of any internal crisis. Aaditya Thackeray insisted that all party MPs continue to stand firmly with the organisation, while Sanjay Raut described reports of defections as baseless political gossip.
Meanwhile, leaders from the Shinde camp have continued to claim that several MPs are unhappy with the current leadership and remain in contact with their faction. Some have even publicly invited Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmakers to join them.
