Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is set to embark on a Maharashtra-wide outreach campaign later this week as his party grapples with signs of unrest and possible defections by several Members of Parliament.
The tour comes at a time when speculation is growing over the future of a group of Sena (UBT) MPs who skipped a recent parliamentary party meeting and are believed to be considering a shift to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Through the campaign, Thackeray is expected to directly engage with party workers across several constituencies.
According to the schedule shared by Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, the campaign will begin on June 27 with visits to Yavatmal, Washim and Hingoli. The next day, Thackeray will travel to Parbhani and Dharashiv, while Shirdi is scheduled for June 29.
Several constituencies on the tour route are represented by MPs who have come under the spotlight following their absence from the party’s parliamentary meeting.
Those who skipped the meeting include Mumbai North East MP Sanjay Dina Patil, Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav, Shirdi MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Yavatmal-Washim MP Sanjay Deshmukh, Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, and Osmanabad MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar.
Uddhav targets rebel MPs
A day before the announcement of the campaign schedule, Thackeray visited the party’s offices in Bhandup West and Ghatkopar in Mumbai, where he met workers and addressed concerns over the ongoing political developments.
During his interaction, the former Maharashtra chief minister launched a sharp attack on MPs who are seen as rebels within the party.
“Despite facing betrayal and MPs being sold, the Shivsainiks are still standing firm. I want to apologise for asking you to vote for the traitor. I had campaigned in all Lok Sabha Constituencies. I have given him (Sanjay Dina Patil) a ticket. He increased his price by getting elected, and later he sold himself. This trend is dangerous,” Thackeray said.
Thackeray also reiterated his party’s backing for Congress while criticising the BJP.
“Does anyone know who the president of the BJP is? No. One day, someone from Congress will be their president. They said Congress Mukt Bharat, but it is BJP yukt Congress,” he said.
Rajool Patil distances herself from rebellion talk
Even as Sanjay Dina Patil’s name figures among the MPs facing rebellion allegations, his daughter Rajool Patil publicly reaffirmed her allegiance to Shiv Sena (UBT).
Rajool Patil, a core committee member of the Yuva Sena, met Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai and said she remained committed to the party.
“I had come to Uddhav ji to present my side, and I told him I am with Shiv Sena (UBT),” she said.