Shiv Sena (UBT) Targets BJP Over Defections, Says ‘Turncoats’ Are Being Rebranded as Rebels

Mumbai, June 2026 : Marking 12 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure at the Centre, the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that political defections have been normalized and that “turncoats and betrayers” are increasingly being portrayed as “rebels” rather than being held accountable under democratic principles.

In a strongly worded editorial published in its mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party claimed that key constitutional institutions, including the Speaker’s office, the Election Commission and even the judiciary, are being used to facilitate and legitimise political defections rather than safeguard democratic values.

The editorial drew parallels between political developments in Maharashtra and the situation unfolding in West Bengal. According to Shiv Sena (UBT), events in West Bengal after the recent Assembly elections resemble political shifts witnessed elsewhere, particularly in Maharashtra, where defections significantly altered the political landscape.

The party alleged that a sizeable section of Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators had distanced themselves from the Mamata Banerjee-led party and moved closer to the BJP, raising serious questions about political ethics and the alleged use of central agencies. It argued that the political script being played out in West Bengal mirrors earlier episodes of defections, with only the names of the players changing.

Using a metaphor frequently employed by Opposition parties, the editorial claimed that Maharashtra’s so-called “washing machine” politics had now been transported to West Bengal. It alleged that leaders once accused of corruption were being welcomed into the BJP after previously being targeted during election campaigns.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) pointed out that during the West Bengal election campaign, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had repeatedly accused the TMC government of corruption, anti-Hindu politics and supporting illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. The BJP had promised decisive action against such elements if voted to power.

However, the editorial questioned why leaders who were once described as corrupt or anti-national were now being embraced by the BJP. It further alleged that pressure tactics, threats, financial inducements and investigative agencies had been used to weaken the Trinamool Congress and encourage defections.

The party also criticised what it described as the humiliation and targeting of local TMC leaders, questioning the BJP’s approach toward political opponents. It argued that if the BJP genuinely believed the people had rejected the TMC over allegations of corruption, then accepting former TMC leaders into its fold was contradictory.

According to the editorial, the BJP’s political strategy is driven primarily by the pursuit of power rather than a genuine fight against corruption. It alleged that once leaders accused of wrongdoing join the BJP, investigations against them tend to lose momentum.

Despite its criticism of the defections, Shiv Sena (UBT) suggested that the departure of opportunistic politicians could ultimately benefit parties such as the TMC by creating space for new leadership. The editorial concluded by urging Mamata Banerjee not to bow to political pressure and asserted that the country would eventually witness a resurgence of self-respect, democratic values and principled leadership.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)