6 Shiv Sena UBT MPs Set To Join Eknath Shinde’s Party At 3 PM Today, Say Sources

Mumbai: Amid rapidly changing political dynamics in Maharashtra, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena UBT suffered a major blow as all 6 rebel Lok Sabha MPs signalled that they would formally merge with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena at 3 pm on Monday. Following the merger, the move would hand the Shinde faction the two-thirds majority required under the anti-defection law, shielding the defectors from disqualification and altering the parliamentary balance for the UBT.

As the party is set for a major split at a time when the Maharashtra Legislature’s monsoon session begins on Monday, Uddhav Thackeray has convened all party MLAs and MLCs at 2.30 pm at Shivalay in Nariman Point. The meeting, which is termed as an attempt to hold the party together, will see Thackeray address legislators and outline the next steps as the rebellion in the Lok Sabha group deepens.

The fresh crisis in the Shiv Sena UBT followed weeks of speculation around ‘Operation Tiger’, after 2 of the dissident MPs, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, confirmed on Sunday that they would join the Shinde camp. All 6 MPs who stayed away from the UBT parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17, namely Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, are now expected to complete the formal merger. 

Shiv Sena UBT Left With 3 Lok Sabha MPs

Notably, the UBT currently has 9 Lok Sabha MPs, which means that the group of 6 rebel parliamentarians meets the threshold needed to avoid the anti-defection clause and comfortably merge with the Shinde Shiv Sena. This also means that after the merge, the Shiv Sena UBT will be left with only 3 Lok Sabha MPs. 

Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, speaking in a video message on social media, stated that no decision had been taken until June 18, saying, “We had not gone anywhere. However, certain remarks were made against us since Thursday, which made us believe that there is no point in staying here.” He clarified that he was not upset with Uddhav Thackeray or Sanjay Raut, but the criticism directed at the dissidents in recent days appeared to have shifted their stance. “I have not compromised on my ideology and have just gone from one Shiv Sena to another,” he added, confirming his crossover for the first time since ‘Operation Tiger’ rumours began.

Dharashiv MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar also confirmed his decision after consulting supporters in his constituency, after the UBT leaders had made a last attempt to retain him. MLAs Kailas Patil and Varun Sardesai visited Nimbalkar’s Pune residence in the early hours of Sunday with Uddhav Thackeray’s message. “We had talks with Omraje. We conveyed Uddhav Saheb’s message. We are confident Omraje will stay with us,” Kailas Patil stated. 

Shinde, Fadnavis Claim Success For 'Operation Tiger'

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appeared to acknowledge the operation’s impact when asked about the split, saying, “The operation has been successful, and the body is in very good health. There is no need for anyone to worry. Those who need to introspect should do so.” He blamed Thackeray for the crisis and pointed to growing confidence in Eknath Shinde’s leadership.

Supporting the Chief Minister's statement, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who heads the Shiv Sena, said, “Whenever I undertake an operation, I complete it fully. We have already shown it.” On ‘Operation Tiger’ he added, “You will get breaking news soon. The MPs are abused, and then you want them back. There is a chemical locha.” 

Fadnavis went further, asserting that Shinde was carrying forward Bal Thackeray’s legacy. “There is no doubt in anyone’s mind now that the Shiv Sena being run by Eknath Shinde is the real Shiv Sena. Balasaheb’s bow-and-arrow symbol is with Eknath Shinde, and he is carrying forward Balasaheb’s ideology,” he said.

Thackeray Vows Fightback, Blames BJP

Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray signalled that he would not concede the party’s identity. Addressing workers in Bhandup, which falls under rebel MP Sanjay Patil’s Mumbai North-East seat, he said, “I am not demoralised. This is a sin of the BJP. Shiv Sena, headed by me, is the only Shiv Sena.” He accused the BJP of trying to “steal or finish” the party and hit back at Amit Shah’s recent remarks that only one Shiv Sena now exists under Eknath Shinde.

In the meantime, as Monday’s 3 pm deadline approaches, the political demography in Maharashtra is set for another roll, with the UBT’s parliamentary strength set to fall and Shinde’s faction poised to consolidate its position as the dominant Shiv Sena.