Another Twist in Maharashtra Politics? Seven Uddhav Sena MPs Reportedly Reach Out to Shinde

New Delhi: Fresh speculation about a possible political realignment in Maharashtra has surfaced, with reports suggesting that seven MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) are in touch with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp.

According to reports, a meeting took place in Delhi on June 7 during Eknath Shinde's visit to the national capital, and several MPs from the Thackeray camp were reportedly present during the interaction.

While details remain unclear, sources claim the meeting focused on the political future of some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs and the possibility of them joining the Shinde-led faction.

Further, reports claim that leaders from the Shinde faction presented a political proposal during the Delhi discussions.

Amid speculation surrounding a possible expansion of the union cabinet, reports suggest assurances may have been offered regarding representation in the centre. 

One MP from the Thackeray camp was allegedly also promised a berth in the Union Cabinet, while other MPs were reportedly assured important organisational and political responsibilities. These claims, however, remain unverified and have not been acknowledged publicly by any of the leaders concerned.

Sources indicate that Eknath Shinde and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde have been in touch with leaders from the Thackeray faction for several months.

Multiple rounds of individual and group-level meetings are said to have taken place in Delhi over the past six months. There is also speculation that discussions involving some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were held at the Delhi residence of Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, who belongs to the Shinde faction.

No official confirmation has been issued regarding these reported meetings.

The buzz has revived memories of the 2022 rebellion led by Shinde that split the Shiv Sena and dramatically altered the state's political landscape. While there has been no official confirmation from either faction, political circles are abuzz with reports of backhand discussions and possible defections.

Which MPs are reportedly in contact?

Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha:

1. Arvind Sawant (Mumbai South)
2. Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim)
3. Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli)
4. Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav (Parbhani)
5. Rajabhau Waje (Nashik)
6. Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East)
7. Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi)
8. Anil Desai (Mumbai South Central)
9. Omprakash Rajenimbalkar (Dharashiv)

According to sources, seven of the nine MPs, excluding the two Mumbai MPs, are believed to be in touch with the Shinde camp. It is further claimed that these MPs met Shinde during his Delhi visit.

However, none of the MPs have publicly confirmed these reports.

Amit Shah meeting adds to political intrigue

The speculation gained further traction after Eknath Shinde met Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his Delhi visit.

While there is no official information about what was discussed during the meeting, political observers have linked it to the reports concerning possible developments within the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp.

There is also growing speculation that if the Union Cabinet is expanded in the coming months, Shinde faction MP Shrikant Shinde could also be considered for a ministerial role.

Despite the intense buzz, there has been no official confirmation that any Shiv Sena (UBT) MP is planning to switch sides.

For Uddhav Thackeray, any defection from his parliamentary ranks would be a significant setback as he continues efforts to rebuild the party following the 2022 split. For Eknath Shinde, a successful crossover would further consolidate his hold over the Shiv Sena's political space.

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