Shiv Sena (UBT) has called a meeting of its legislators for June 22, 2024, following reports that members may defect to the NDA [4].
These reports suggest a potential internal split that could weaken the opposition's standing in Maharashtra. The situation mirrors the political instability of 2022, when a similar rift divided the party.
The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. at Shivalaya, located near Mantralaya in Mumbai [4]. Party leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray and Anand Dubey, are expected to address the rumors of an impending exodus to the National Democratic Alliance.
Claims from Shinde-Sena leaders suggest a significant number of representatives are willing to switch sides. Specifically, reports indicate that seven MPs and 16 MLAs from Shiv Sena (UBT) may be considering the move [2, 3]. Other reports suggest that seven of the nine total party MPs are currently in touch with NDA leaders [1].
Leaders within the Shiv Sena (UBT) have played down these reports, describing the buzz as speculative. Despite the denials, the party has prioritized the gathering of its MLAs, and MLCs to ensure stability before the upcoming political season.
The current tension follows a pattern of shifting alliances within the region's political landscape. The party is now attempting to preempt a repeat of previous defections that stripped the leadership of its legislative majority.
“Seven of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are in touch with NDA leaders”
The potential defection of seven MPs and 16 MLAs would represent a critical blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT) legislative strength. If these reports are accurate, the party risks a second major split in four years, further consolidating the NDA's power in Maharashtra and reducing the opposition's ability to challenge the ruling coalition effectively.
