Six MPs from Uddhav Thackeray Faction Join Eknath Shinde-Led Shiv Sena

In a major political development in Maharashtra, six Members of Parliament (MPs) from Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday, dealing a significant setback to the Thackeray faction.

The MPs who switched sides are:

• Omraje Nimbalkar

• Nagesh Patil Ashtikar

• Sanjay Deshmukh

• Sanjay Jadhav

• Sanjay Dina Patil

• Bhausaheb Wakchaure

The induction ceremony was held in the presence of senior leaders, including Eknath Shinde, Shrikant Shinde, and Pratap Sarnaik.

Shiv Sena's Strength in Lok Sabha Rises from 7 to 13 MPs

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Pratap Sarnaik said that the entry of the six MPs has increased the strength of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena in the Lok Sabha from seven to thirteen members.

Sarnaik also informed that the MPs had submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla regarding their decision.

Aaditya Thackeray Launches Sharp Attack

Reacting strongly to the development, Aaditya Thackeray accused the ruling establishment of attempting to engineer defections for political gain.

Speaking to the media, he said, “Our MPs and MLAs are being poached because there is an attempt to alter the Constitution given by B. R. Ambedkar. Voters stopped them in 2024, and now efforts are being made to secure a two-thirds majority by breaking political parties.”

‘Cowards and Sellouts’: Aaditya Thackeray's Criticism

Aaditya Thackeray also criticized the defecting MPs, calling them “cowards and sellouts.”

He said, “These MPs were elected in the name of Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and the Mahavikas Aghadi. Now, the BJP is trying to pull them into its fold to secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha.”

BJP Also Comes Under Fire

Targeting the BJP over the issue of political defections, Aaditya Thackeray said, “The same method used to split our party is now being used against others. If the rule of law and the Constitution prevail in the country, we hope justice will be served.”

Political Equations Shift in Maharashtra

The defection of six MPs has added a new dimension to the ongoing political battle within Shiv Sena. While the Shinde faction has significantly strengthened its position in the Lok Sabha, the development is expected to intensify political tensions in Maharashtra and reshape the state's political landscape in the coming months.

Also Read: Uddhav Thackeray Ready To Step Aside As Sena Chief Amid Internal Rift