Six members of parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) are reportedly preparing to switch allegiance to Eknath Shinde’s faction [2].
This potential shift represents a critical threat to the stability of the UBT faction and could signal a "Sena Split 2.0" in Maharashtra. A mass exodus of lawmakers would significantly weaken Thackeray's influence in the Lok Sabha and alter the political landscape of the state.
Reports indicate that six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs [1] are considering the move. According to some sources, these rebel MPs are expected to officially join the Shinde-led faction on June 19, 2024 [2]. Other reports suggest a meeting between the rebel leaders and Eknath Shinde is slated for June 20, 2024 [3].
The internal rebellion stems from a loyalty battle within the party. The MPs are expected to reveal their reasons for exiting the UBT faction during the transition process. This movement follows a history of volatility within the original Shiv Sena, which previously split into two competing camps.
Political observers in Maharashtra are monitoring the situation closely as the UBT faction attempts to prevent further defections. The shift would provide a significant boost to Shinde's political standing, consolidating his control over the party's identity and resources.
While the exact timing of the move varies between sources, the consensus points to a window between June 19 and June 20, 2024 [2], [3].
“Six of nine Lok Sabha MPs are considering a switch.”
If the majority of the UBT's Lok Sabha representation shifts to Eknath Shinde, Uddhav Thackeray loses his primary leverage in national legislative politics. This move would likely solidify Shinde's legitimacy as the leader of the 'true' Shiv Sena and could trigger further instability for other opposition alliances in Maharashtra.
