Speculation grows over possible realignment within Shiv Sena-UBT

Amid ongoing political speculation in Maharashtra, reports of possible discontent within the Shiv Sena (UBT) have triggered discussions about a potential realignment in the party. According to political circles, a section of legislators and Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit may be considering a move to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, although no official confirmation has emerged so far.

Sources and media reports suggest that between 14 and 16 MLAs and six to seven Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) could be exploring their options. There is also speculation that some MPs may meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the coming days.

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The Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine members in the Lok Sabha. Under the anti-defection law, a breakaway group would require the support of at least two-thirds of the party’s parliamentary strength—six MPs in this case—to avoid disqualification.

The speculation gained traction following recent political developments and intensified after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav in New Delhi.

Jadhav belongs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is part of the NDA government at the Centre as well as Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance.

Amid reports of an alleged “Operation Tiger” aimed at engineering defections, Uddhav Thackeray convened a meeting of party MPs in Mumbai. However, only four of the party’s nine Lok Sabha members attended the meeting in person. Deshmukh, who did not attend, later travelled to Delhi and met Prataprao Jadhav.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut dismissed the speculation, maintaining that a misleading narrative was being created and asserting that all party MPs remain loyal to the organisation.

Accusing the BJP of attempting to engineer splits within opposition parties, Raut said that the remaining MPs, including Deshmukh, had participated in the meeting virtually.

Responding to questions about the absence of some MPs from Sunday’s gathering and their participation in the upcoming foundation day celebrations of the undivided Shiv Sena, Raut said no invitation was necessary for an event belonging to the “Shiv Sena family.”

Raut also claimed that the Sena (UBT) would launch an “Operation Wolf” against its political opponents, an apparent reference to the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The tiger, drawn by party founder Bal Thackeray, was the symbol and mascot of the undivided Shiv Sena.

While the reports of a possible split remain unverified, any significant defection from the Shiv Sena (UBT) would carry political implications for Uddhav Thackeray’s party, which has already faced major organisational challenges since the 2022 rebellion that led to the split in the Shiv Sena and reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape.