Uddhav Thackeray convened an emergency meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai on Monday after six Lok Sabha MPs joined the Eknath Shinde-led faction [1].
The defections threaten the survival of Thackeray's parliamentary wing and signal a deepening crisis within the party's leadership structure.
The crisis began when six Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial party meeting in New Delhi and signaled their intent to switch sides [1]. Prior to these defections, Shiv Sena (UBT) held a total of nine Lok Sabha MPs [2]. This loss represents a significant portion of the party's presence in the lower house of Parliament.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said the induction of the six MPs is a major political milestone for his camp [3].
Internal panic has intensified following the parliamentary exodus. Reports indicate that 14 of the 20 MLAs in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly belonging to Shiv Sena (UBT) are also ready to join the Shinde faction [4]. Thackeray called the emergency meeting in Mumbai to address these looming defections and attempt to stabilize his remaining support.
The Shinde-led faction has faced accusations of using financial incentives to secure the loyalty of the rebel lawmakers. Sanjay Raut, a spokesperson for Shiv Sena (UBT), said the six MPs have received an advance of Rs 15 crore [5]. Raut said the lawmakers will collectively receive Rs 50 crore for their defection [5].
These developments follow a period of intense volatility within the party, as Thackeray attempts to maintain control over the Shiv Sena (UBT) brand while facing a coordinated effort by the Shinde faction to absorb its members [1].
“The induction of the six MPs is a major political milestone for our camp.”
The loss of two-thirds of its Lok Sabha representation and the potential collapse of its legislative presence in Maharashtra leave Uddhav Thackeray with minimal institutional leverage. By absorbing both MPs and MLAs, the Eknath Shinde faction is not only weakening Thackeray's political standing but is effectively consolidating the Shiv Sena's original base under a new leadership structure aligned with the current administration.
