Uddhav Thackeray, chief of Shiv Sena (UBT), denied rumors of a merger with the Congress party during a parliamentary meeting on June 18, 2026 [2].
The internal crisis threatens the stability of the party in Maharashtra, as a potential exodus of lawmakers could shift the regional balance of power.
Thackeray addressed the crisis during a parliamentary party meeting held at the Parliament House in New Delhi [2]. He said reports suggesting a merger with the Congress party were false [3]. The denial comes amid conflicting reports, with some sources suggesting that a plan to merge with Congress actually triggered the current revolt within his ranks [3].
Thackeray said the BJP survives by poaching rebel lawmakers from rival parties. He warned that the Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a significant split, as six MPs are considering joining the faction led by Eknath Shinde [1, 2].
These six rebel MPs have reportedly been granted "Y-Plus" security [1]. The shift in allegiance follows a series of political maneuvers in Maharashtra, including rallies in Nashik, and ongoing tensions between the various Shiv Sena factions [1, 2].
Thackeray said the pressure on his party is a result of the BJP's tactics to destabilize the opposition. The situation remains volatile as the party attempts to prevent further defections to the Shinde-led group [2, 3].
“Uddhav Thackeray denied rumors of a merger with the Congress party”
The potential defection of six MPs to the Eknath Shinde faction represents a critical blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT). If these lawmakers successfully switch sides, it would not only diminish Thackeray's legislative strength but also validate the BJP's strategy of leveraging internal party fractures to consolidate power in Maharashtra.
