Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP of encouraging defections as Shiv Sena (UBT) grappled with a growing rebellion. MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar confirmed his exit while Uddhav Thackeray prepared a statewide outreach campaign.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray with Aaditya Thackeray and Sanjay Raut during the party's 60th Foundation Day event in Mumbai on June 19, 2026. Thackeray is set to begin a statewide outreach campaign amid speculation over possible defections by some party MPs. | IANS
A fresh political crisis has erupted within Shiv Sena (UBT) after one of its Lok Sabha MPs publicly confirmed his decision to leave the party, even as Aaditya Thackeray accused the BJP of engineering defections under what has come to be known as ‘Operation Tiger’.
The developments come amid growing speculation that six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs may cross over to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The controversy has triggered a sharp exchange of allegations between the Uddhav Thackeray camp, rebel lawmakers and BJP leaders.
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Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, the MP from Hingoli, confirmed on Monday that he would be leaving Shiv Sena (UBT). In a video message posted on social media, he said the decision was not driven by personal grievances against Uddhav Thackeray but stemmed from a breakdown of trust and the treatment meted out to rebel legislators after they skipped a parliamentary party meeting earlier this month.
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According to Ashtikar, he and other MPs felt there was “no point in staying on” after facing what he described as harsh remarks and suspicion from party leaders.
Ashtikar also linked his decision to what he called inadequate resources for constituency development.
He said the Rs 5 crore MPLAD allocation was insufficient to meet local demands and claimed opposition MPs often struggle to secure development funds through government departments and local bodies.
His remarks came days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs remained absent from a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi. Their absence intensified speculation about a possible shift to the Shinde-led faction.
The MPs whose absence sparked the controversy include Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, Aaditya Thackeray alleged that efforts were underway to break opposition parties and attract elected representatives away from Shiv Sena (UBT).
He claimed the BJP was attempting to increase its parliamentary strength by encouraging defections and accused the ruling party of working against the mandate delivered by voters in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Aaditya also criticised the BJP-led government on governance issues. Referring to discussions around infiltration and “Operation Tiger”, he questioned the Centre’s record on internal security and border management.
“Whose government has it been for 12 years? If the government cannot stop these infiltrators in 12 years, then this is the failure of the BJP,” he said.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On the rebellion by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray says, “Keep doing this for the rest of your life if you want, but when will you actually govern? Today, the public is also asking questions. The amount of money allegedly being… pic.twitter.com/OEW3EVP0aB
— IANS (@ians_india) June 22, 2026
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further accused the government of neglecting inflation, water scarcity, healthcare, farmers’ concerns and security issues while focusing on political operations.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: On Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray says, “They seem so afraid of us. And look, now even MPs are being taken away. After that, will they take away MLAs as well? Then corporators? Then this person and that person too? We will… pic.twitter.com/Fh0dmruG03
— IANS (@ians_india) June 22, 2026
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut intensified the party’s response by branding the rebel legislators as “traitors”.
Targeting Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar, Raut alleged that Shiv Sena’s split amounted to “tearing Maharashtra apart”. He also questioned claims of development made by rebel leaders and accused them of abandoning the mandate on which they were elected.
Amid signs of unrest within the party, Uddhav Thackeray is set to begin a Maharashtra-wide outreach programme aimed at reconnecting with party workers and supporters.
According to the schedule announced by Sanjay Raut, the campaign will begin on June 27 in Yavatmal and continue through Washim, Hingoli, Parbhani, Dharashiv and Shirdi over the following days.
The outreach drive is expected to focus particularly on constituencies represented by MPs who are facing accusations of rebellion.
Meanwhile, the party has expelled Krishna Nagesh Patil, son of Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, for alleged anti-party activities.
The political battle has sharpened as speculation over a fresh split within Shiv Sena (UBT) continues, with both camps preparing for an intense contest over party workers, elected representatives and public support.
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