Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray called a meeting with his nine Lok Sabha MPs amid speculation of a potential split. While the party claimed all MPs were present, five attended virtually due to valid reasons, with four physically present.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut called for parties that split from Congress to reunite, emphasizing the need to strengthen the party to counter the BJP. He urged NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar to lead this initiative, criticizing the BJP's historical contributions and accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of attempting to break opposition parties.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla strongly criticized Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut for comparing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and calling him 'aghori'. Poonawalla stated Raut's remarks insult Modi and Gujarat, reflecting opposition frustration and political desperation.
Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut drew a sharp comparison between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, stating that the same land that produced Aurangzeb also produced Modi. Raut's remarks come amid speculation about Shiv Sena (UBT)'s future within the opposition and potential defections to the NDA.
The BJP-led NDA is reportedly seeking support from opposition MPs to strengthen its numbers in the Lok Sabha. Sources suggest that the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) faction might see some of its nine Lok Sabha MPs defect, potentially merging with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws.
Leaders from rival Shiv Sena factions, led by Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde, are discussing reunion due to the BJP's growing dominance in Maharashtra politics. Both factions see the BJP as a threat that is weakening regional allies.
The Supreme Court took exception to "petty politicians" from Shiv Sena (UBT) accusing the court of delaying hearings on petitions challenging the Eknath Shinde faction's legitimacy. CJI Surya Kant stated that the UBT camp's counsel had sought adjournments multiple times and warned against irresponsible media statements.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut criticized Donald Trump's congratulations to PM Modi on the West Bengal election results, calling them premature and misplaced. Raut asserted that state elections are an internal matter and alleged the polls were conducted amid fear and systemic pressure, questioning the Election Commission's impartiality.
Seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs quit and merged with the BJP. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut compared the BJP to mythological demon Bakasur with insatiable hunger, calling the switching MPs wealthy 'Page 3 leaders' who needed protection. Raut claimed pressure was put on him to join the BJP and referenced his 2022 arrest in a money laundering case.
A new home was gifted to the family of a brave ponywallah, Syed Adil Hussain Shah, who died saving tourists in Pahalgam. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde virtually handed over the house, built by Shiv Sena, honoring Shah's sacrifice. The family expressed pride and gratitude for the support received.
