Six Lok Sabha members from the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) faction have formally switched their allegiance to the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde [1].

This defection weakens the opposition's presence in the lower house of Parliament and consolidates the power of the ruling faction in Maharashtra. The shift occurs amid an escalating crisis of loyalty within the party's split wings.

The transition took place during a legislative party meeting held at the YB Chavan Centre in South Mumbai [1]. While six MPs formally shifted their support, four other legislators skipped the session [2].

Eknath Shinde, the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister, described the move as a homecoming. Shinde said they joined the "real Shiv Sena" [1].

The defecting members said that their decision was based on a desire to join what they termed the authentic version of the party [1]. This move aims to prevent further defections and stabilize the ruling faction's legislative strength.

The political instability following the original party split continues to reshape the legislative landscape in Mumbai. The loss of six members represents a significant blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership's ability to maintain a unified opposition front.

“Six Lok Sabha members from the opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) faction have formally switched their allegiance”

The defection of these six MPs further marginalizes the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, reducing its leverage in legislative negotiations. By absorbing these members, the Shinde-led faction strengthens its claim to be the legitimate heir of the original Shiv Sena party, potentially isolating the UBT wing further within the parliamentary structure.