Maharashtra Politics: Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Set to Join Shinde Camp
A major political realignment is occurring in Maharashtra as six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs prepare to join the Eknath Shinde camp. Uddhav Thackeray has denounced the move and launched a statewide outreach drive to reconnect with supporters in the affected constituencies.
Highlights
- •Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are expected to join the Eknath Shinde-led faction.
- •Uddhav Thackeray has launched a statewide outreach campaign to stabilize his party base.
- •The Shinde faction's Lok Sabha strength is set to rise from seven to 13.
- •Thackeray criticized the defecting MPs for abandoning their party mandates for personal gain.
A significant shift in Maharashtra politics is unfolding as six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are reportedly preparing to align themselves with the Eknath Shinde-led faction. This move has triggered a sharp response from Uddhav Thackeray, who has publicly criticized the defectors for betraying the party and its principles shortly after securing their electoral victories.
The political landscape has become increasingly volatile following the formal announcements from Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar and Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtikar regarding their intention to join the Shiv Sena camp led by Eknath Shinde. While Nimbalkar finalized his transition following a legal development in his father’s case, Ashtikar highlighted the logistical and operational difficulties of working effectively while seated on the opposition benches.
Shifting Allegiances in Maharashtra Politics
Pratap Sarnaik, a state minister and prominent leader within the Shinde faction, confirmed that these six parliamentarians are expected to officially transition on Monday at 3 pm. This switch is poised to increase the Shinde-led party's representation in the Lok Sabha from seven to 13 members, with documentation regarding the change reportedly already submitted to the speaker.
Sarnaik described this ongoing process as an extension of their consistent outreach efforts, claiming that these members are aligning with the vision of Balasaheb Thackeray. He further suggested that the strategic decisions made by Sanjay Raut have contributed to the recent movement of both state MLAs and federal MPs toward the rival camp.
The group of MPs speculated to be joining this movement includes Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Omraje Nimbalkar.
Uddhav Thackeray Initiates Outreach Drive
In response to the growing threat of mass defections, Uddhav Thackeray has launched an intensive, statewide engagement campaign to re-establish connections with grassroots party workers. The tour, scheduled to commence on June 27 in Yavatmal, aims to visit several key constituencies—including Washim, Hingoli, Parbhani, Dharashiv, and Shirdi—where the sitting MPs are rumored to be considering a switch.
During a recent address in Mumbai, Thackeray expressed deep frustration, stating that he regrets having campaigned for individuals who chose to change loyalties for personal gain. He emphasized that the trend of leaders securing mandates and then shifting their allegiances is detrimental to the democratic process. Furthermore, he reaffirmed his continued cooperation with Congress while launching a scathing critique of the BJP, alleging that the national party is systematically absorbing members from opposing political platforms.
Despite these developments, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership maintains a stance of resilience. Figures such as Mahesh Sawant have downplayed the impact of the departures, while other party officials have noted that they are waiting for official confirmations before drawing final conclusions about the extent of the shifts.
