Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray Faces Battle for Survival; Major Decision Expected Today; Focus on 6 MPs

Mumbai. Monday is set to be a significant day for Maharashtra politics. According to sources, six Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) have rebelled and may join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena at 3 PM today. This unfolding situation is being viewed as a major setback for Uddhav Thackeray.

This development follows a Shiv Sena (UBT) meeting held in Delhi on June 17, which several MPs did not attend. These include Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar. Currently, Shiv Sena (UBT) has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha; six MPs are required to constitute a two-thirds majority.

Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, the MP from Hingoli, has already confirmed that he is joining the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He stated that while many MPs had not made a decision by June 18, subsequent remarks compelled them to reconsider their stance, leading to the conclusion that there was no longer any point in remaining with the party.

Patil Ashtikar maintains that he has no personal differences with Uddhav Thackeray or Sanjay Raut, nor does he have any issues with the party’s ideology; he is simply moving from one faction of Shiv Sena to the other. He cited obstacles in securing development funds and the limitations faced by the opposition as reasons for switching parties. Additionally, he pointed to the party’s poor performance and defeat in recent local body elections as key factors.

It is not as though Uddhav Thackeray is remaining idle in the face of this split. He conveyed a message to another rebel MP, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, through party MLAs Kailas Patil and Varun Sardesai. Furthermore, Uddhav has summoned all party MLAs and MLCs to the party office at 2:30 PM. He will address everyone.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also reacted to the unfolding events in the state. When asked about the rift within the Shiv Sena, he remarked, “The operation was successful, and the body is completely healthy.” Meanwhile, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde stated that whenever he initiates an operation, he sees it through to completion. He added that something major is in the offing and that everyone would soon hear big news.

On the other hand, Uddhav Thackeray stated that he is not disheartened by the ongoing split in the party. He held the BJP responsible for the situation, asserting that his faction is the “real” Shiv Sena. He accused the BJP of attempting to take over the Shiv Sena.