Political Storm Brews in Shiv Sena (UBT) as Shirsat Claims Six MPs Have Formed Separate Group

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, June 2026 : Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Thursday intensified speculation over a possible split within the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) by claiming that six Members of Parliament from the party have formed a separate group and formally communicated their decision to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

Speaking to reporters, Shirsat said the process of creating the separate group had already advanced significantly and that the MPs concerned had submitted their position in writing to the Speaker. According to him, the legislators would decide their future political affiliation once all procedural formalities are completed.

The minister suggested that the possibility of the MPs joining the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde cannot be ruled out. However, he clarified that any decision regarding their induction into the party would ultimately rest with Shinde.

“The MPs have formed a separate group and informed the Lok Sabha Speaker. Once the entire process is completed, they will decide which party they wish to join. If they want to merge with us, the decision will be taken by Eknath Shinde. Whatever decision he takes will be accepted by all of us,” Shirsat said.

His remarks have added fuel to the ongoing controversy surrounding “Operation Tiger,” a term being used in political circles to describe alleged efforts to engineer defections from the Uddhav Thackeray camp.

Amid growing speculation about a possible rebellion, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant sought to project unity within the party by holding a joint press conference and issuing a stern warning to potential defectors.

Invoking the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, the leaders declared that the party would not tolerate betrayal and would take both political and legal action against those attempting to split the organisation.

The press conference came ahead of a crucial meeting of the party’s parliamentary group at its Parliament office in New Delhi, a gathering seen as vital in assessing the strength of support behind the party leadership.

Arvind Sawant confirmed that the party had issued a formal three-line whip to all its MPs, making attendance at the meeting mandatory. He explained that the whip had been delivered personally to MPs and also sent electronically through email and WhatsApp to ensure compliance with parliamentary procedures and legal requirements.

According to Sawant, the meeting was convened not only to verify the physical presence of party MPs in the national capital but also to discuss parliamentary strategy and the party’s response to the unfolding political developments.

Sanjay Raut, meanwhile, attempted to downplay reports of a large-scale exodus while taking a swipe at media speculation. Referring to reports suggesting a major split, he remarked sarcastically that although the party officially has nine MPs, the atmosphere being created made it seem as though fifteen MPs would attend the meeting.

Raut also disclosed that party chief Uddhav Thackeray had personally reviewed the situation and provided detailed instructions on handling the crisis.

Seeking to reassure party workers, Raut revealed that Sharad Pawar had extended full support to the Thackeray faction. He said Pawar had expressed readiness to campaign jointly in the constituencies of any MPs who choose to rebel.

According to Raut, the entire Maha Vikas Aghadi, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) and the Indian National Congress, would stand together against any attempt to weaken the alliance through defections.

The developments have set the stage for a crucial political showdown in Maharashtra, with the coming days likely to determine whether the speculation of a split translates into a major realignment within the state’s opposition politics.