Seven members of parliament from Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction are reportedly in contact with Eknath Shinde's political camp [1], [2].
This potential shift threatens to destabilize the current political balance in Maharashtra. If a significant number of lawmakers switch sides, it could fundamentally alter the power dynamics of the state's legislative landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
Reports of the realignment first surfaced on May 19, 2026 [1]. The speculation intensified following a confidential meeting that reportedly took place in Delhi on June 7, 2026 [2].
While some reports suggest multiple lawmakers are in touch, other accounts specify that seven out of the nine MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction attended the Delhi meeting [2]. The movement is being described in some circles as "Operation Tiger" [2].
Internal power dynamics and the pressure of future electoral contests are cited as the primary drivers for these discussions [1], [2]. The Shinde camp has been actively seeking to consolidate its position within the broader Shiv Sena identity, while the Thackeray faction faces increasing scrutiny regarding its internal cohesion.
Representatives for the involved parties have not provided official confirmation of the defection, but the frequency of these high-level meetings suggests a coordinated effort to shift allegiances [1], [2].
“Seven out of the nine MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction attended a meeting.”
The reported movement of seven MPs would represent a critical blow to the Uddhav Thackeray faction, potentially stripping it of its legislative influence. Such a realignment would consolidate Eknath Shinde's authority and likely shift the strategic advantage toward his camp in the lead-up to the next election cycle, signaling a deeper fracture in the party's original base.
