Speculation is mounting over a potential split in Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) party, fueled by a visit to Delhi by senior leader Sanjay Raut and remarks from Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik. Reports suggest nine Lok Sabha MPs might form a separate group, with only four attending a recent party meeting.
Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) has called a meeting of all MLAs and MLCs on June 22 amidst speculation that some MPs may defect to Eknath Shinde's faction. Shinde faction claims "Operation Tiger" is in final stages, while Thackeray faction dismisses these as BJP's attempts to break parties.
Shiv Sena leader Krupal Tumane claims talks with seven Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are in the final stage for 'Operation Tiger,' with potential defections to Eknath Shinde's faction before the Monsoon Session. This follows recent turmoil within the Trinamool Congress.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union minister Pratap Jadhav of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in New Delhi, intensifying speculation about potential defections. Deshmukh had skipped a party meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray, claiming technical issues for online attendance.
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.
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.
Uddhav Thackeray attended 31.58% of legislative sittings as an MLC in the last four years. Other leaders like Bhavana Gawali and Ramraje Naik-Nimbalkar also had low attendance, while Amol Mitkari, Shashikant Shinde, and Rajesh Rathod recorded high attendance.
