Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Rebel, Deepening Crisis for Uddhav Thackeray Camp in Maharashtra

New Delhi, June 2026 : The political battle within Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena took a dramatic turn on Thursday as six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs belonging to the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) allegedly rebelled against the party leadership, dealing a major setback to the faction led by Uddhav Thackeray.

The development, which has triggered intense political speculation, came to light during a crucial parliamentary party meeting convened by the Shiv Sena (UBT) at its Parliament House office in New Delhi. The meeting had been called amid growing reports of discontent within the party ranks and concerns over possible defections.

According to party sources, a strict whip had been issued a day earlier directing all Lok Sabha members to attend the meeting. However, only three MPs and one Rajya Sabha member were present, raising serious questions about the unity of the parliamentary wing.

Those who attended included Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and Lok Sabha MPs Anil Desai, Arvind Sawant and Rajabhau Waje. The absence of six MPs—Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Nagesh Patil Ashtikar—was interpreted by party leaders as a coordinated act of defiance.

Sources familiar with the developments claimed that the dissident MPs have moved to establish themselves as a separate parliamentary group and have reportedly submitted documents to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition for the new bloc. Such a move could potentially pave the way for their alignment with the Shiv Sena faction headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The rebellion is being linked to what political circles have described as “Operation Tiger,” an alleged strategy by the Shinde camp to consolidate support among MPs and further strengthen its position within the broader Shiv Sena movement.

Sources indicated that the rebel lawmakers have adopted a resolution outlining ideological concerns as the basis for their decision. According to these claims, the MPs believe the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has drifted away from the Hindutva-oriented political philosophy championed by party founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

The dissenting MPs are also said to have expressed apprehensions regarding the party’s continuing association with the Indian National Congress through the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. Sources claimed that some lawmakers fear the party could gradually lose its distinct political identity through closer ties with Congress and other opposition partners.

Political tensions have escalated further following public exchanges between leaders of the rival factions. Statements made by senior leaders on both sides have heightened the atmosphere, prompting authorities to strengthen security arrangements around several MPs.

Reports indicate that security has been enhanced outside the residences of the rebel lawmakers, particularly in Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra, amid concerns about possible protests and demonstrations by party workers. The state administration is closely monitoring the situation to prevent any law-and-order issues.

Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray camp has begun taking disciplinary measures. Party insiders said notices are being prepared for the six MPs who failed to attend the parliamentary meeting. The lawmakers may be asked to explain their absence and clarify their political position.

If the explanations are found unsatisfactory, the party is expected to approach the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking action under the provisions of the anti-defection law. However, leaders close to the rebel camp argue that because six MPs constitute two-thirds of the party’s Lok Sabha strength, they may be entitled to recognition as a separate group, potentially shielding them from disqualification proceedings.

The legal and political implications of the rebellion are expected to be closely examined in the coming days. Both camps are reportedly consulting legal experts and preparing strategies to defend their respective positions before parliamentary authorities.

Sources within the Shinde faction suggested that they are proceeding cautiously and are unlikely to make major public announcements immediately. Instead, they are expected to wait for procedural developments before formally outlining their next steps.

The timing of the crisis is particularly significant as it coincides with celebrations surrounding Shiv Sena’s Foundation Day. Political observers believe the coming days could prove decisive in determining the future of the party and the balance of power within Maharashtra politics.

If the rebel MPs ultimately align with the Shinde-led faction, it would mark another major chapter in the continuing struggle for control of the Shiv Sena legacy, further reshaping the political landscape of Maharashtra and strengthening Shinde’s influence at both the state and national levels.