Six Shiv Sena UBT MPs May Switch to Shinde Camp, Deepening Maharashtra Political Crisis

After fresh turmoil within the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, political unrest has surfaced in Maharashtra, with reports suggesting that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

The speculation grew after six MPs — Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar — skipped the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17.

Among them, two MPs — Omraje Nimbalkar and Nagesh Ashtikar — have already announced their decision to leave the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.

Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar’s move came days after he indicated that he would decide his political future following the court verdict in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar. A sessions court recently acquitted all accused in the case.

Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtikar announced his decision through a Facebook Live session, saying it had become difficult to serve his constituency effectively while remaining in the Opposition.

Uddhav Thackeray attacks defections

Reacting to the developments, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray accused the rebel MPs of betraying the party and voters for political gains.

Thackeray said Shiv Sena’s identity was built around protecting the rights of Marathi people and insisted that “there could only be one Shiv Sena.”

He said his party had fought against the BJP-led alliance in the 2024 elections and won public support, alleging that the latest defections were driven by power and money.

‘Operation Tiger’ creates pressure on UBT Sena

The possible defections are being viewed as a major setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has faced repeated challenges since the party split.

After the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections, reports emerged that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena was attempting to bring more Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders into its fold.

The reported strategy has been referred to as “Operation Tiger,” a name linked to the original Shiv Sena’s tiger symbol and mascot associated with party founder Bal Thackeray.

The political battle reflects the continuing struggle over the legacy and control of Shiv Sena after the party’s split between the Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde factions.