Shiv Sena (UBT) Faces Major Split as Rebel MPs Prepare to Announce New Political Alignment with Shinde Camp
After days of mounting political tension, speculation is now pointing towards an imminent formalisation of a major split within the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray faction), with rebel MPs expected to publicly clarify their position in a press conference scheduled for Sunday.
Sources indicate that the group of MPs is preparing to present documentary evidence of their recent political engagements, including photographs and video footage of their meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, along with the formal communication they submitted regarding their stance. They are also likely to publicly explain the reasons that pushed them away from the Uddhav Thackeray-led leadership.
The developments come after a series of high-voltage political movements in Maharashtra, where rumours of defection began gaining momentum. Six MPs — Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Sanjay Dina Patil — had travelled to Delhi on June 16 from different locations and were later reported to be staying together in a Noida hotel. At the same time, political activity involving Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his son Shrikant Shinde in Delhi further intensified speculation around coordinated realignments.
The following day, meetings with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reportedly took place in two phases, during which a letter was submitted expressing intent aligned with the Shinde-led faction and requesting changes in parliamentary seating arrangements. Soon after these meetings, the MPs dispersed to different cities including Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Varanasi, further fueling political chatter about an organised realignment.
Ahead of the scheduled press conference, the MPs are expected to converge in Mumbai from various locations, with some arriving from Chennai and Kolkata, while others are already present in Maharashtra. Post briefing, there is also a possibility that the group may meet Eknath Shinde again and, if necessary, seek another interaction with the Lok Sabha Speaker.
The sequence of events traces back to internal unease within the Thackeray camp, which began surfacing after a key meeting at Matoshree where several MPs were reportedly absent. This absence triggered early speculation of internal division and alleged attempts to influence lawmakers.
As rumours escalated, party leaders attempted to downplay concerns, with claims that some members participated virtually and others were in contact through calls. However, the situation intensified after one of the MPs was seen in a meeting with a Union Minister associated with the Shinde faction, which was later described as non-political but still added to the growing controversy.
Meanwhile, sharp political reactions from across the spectrum further escalated tensions. Sanjay Raut, a senior leader from the Thackeray camp, alleged that efforts were underway to lure MPs away using financial inducements and criticised the rebel group in strong language while warning of consequences for those switching sides. He also claimed that travel arrangements included chartered flights, further fueling the controversy.
As the situation unfolded, analysts drew comparisons with earlier factional splits in other parties, noting similarities in group coordination, meetings with the Speaker, and requests for separate parliamentary seating. Political observers suggest that if the move is formalised, it could significantly weaken Uddhav Thackeray’s position while simultaneously strengthening the numbers of the Shinde-led faction within the broader ruling alignment, potentially impacting legislative dynamics in the upcoming parliamentary session.
