Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, held an emergency meeting in Mumbai in May 2026 [1, 2].

The gathering comes as the party faces internal instability and reports that members of parliament are planning to switch sides. If a significant number of legislators defect to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, it could severely weaken Thackeray's political leverage and the party's standing in the legislature.

Thackeray convened the meeting at the Shiv Sena (UBT) party office to discuss strategic moves and stop further rebellion among state legislators [1, 2]. The move follows reports that several MPs were planning to defect to the ruling Shinde faction [1, 2].

Internal friction has already led to disciplinary concerns within the party. Six of the party's MPs face disqualification for skipping a key meeting [3]. This development suggests a growing rift between the party leadership and its parliamentary representatives.

The emergency session focused on preventing a wider split that could mirror previous defections within the broader Shiv Sena organization. Party officials aimed to solidify loyalty among remaining legislators to maintain a viable opposition block.

While the exact number of MPs intending to defect varies across reports, the threat of a mass exit remains a central concern for the party's survival strategy [1, 3]. Thackeray said the meeting was necessary to address these concerns and coordinate a response to the potential exits [1, 2].

“Uddhav Thackeray held an emergency meeting in Mumbai in May 2026”

The potential defection of MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) to the Shinde faction represents a critical threat to Uddhav Thackeray's leadership. Because the party is already split, further losses of legislators could reduce its official status and influence in the government, potentially leaving the faction without enough representation to effectively challenge the ruling coalition.