A fresh wave of defections has plunged Shiv Sena (UBT) into crisis, with rebel MPs joining the Eknath Shinde-led faction and speculation growing that more leaders could follow.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has launched a strong response after a series of defections threatened to weaken his party's position in Maharashtra. The latest political turmoil comes as leaders aligned with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claim that their much-discussed "Operation Tiger" is gathering pace.
Addressing party workers and supporters, Uddhav Thackeray asserted that there could be only one Shiv Sena, arguing that the party's political identity was built on protecting the rights and interests of Marathi people. He accused defecting MPs of betraying both the party and the voters who elected them on an anti-NDA platform during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Also Read
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also attacked the rebel MPs, alleging that they had abandoned their principles for political gain. In a post on social media platform X, he claimed the defectors had betrayed the mandate given to them by voters who had supported the INDIA alliance and opposed the NDA in their constituencies.
The crisis deepened after Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar and Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtikar formally announced their decision to leave Shiv Sena (UBT) and join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Nimbalkar's move came shortly after a court acquitted all accused in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar. Ashtikar, meanwhile, said it had become difficult to effectively represent his constituency while sitting in the opposition.
Amid the political developments, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appeared to celebrate the defections. Referring to Operation Tiger, he said the operation had been successful and that those concerned should focus on introspection rather than criticism. Eknath Shinde echoed the sentiment, saying he never leaves an operation incomplete and suggesting that further political developments could follow.
In a sign that the rebellion may not be complete, Shiv Sena leaders have claimed that a significant number of Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) are considering switching sides. Party leaders from the Shinde faction have suggested that as many as 45 corporators could join them, a figure that would cross the two-thirds threshold required to avoid disqualification under anti-defection rules.
However, not all leaders linked to defectors have chosen to leave. Rajool Patil, a BMC corporator and daughter of rebel MP Sanjay Dina Patil, publicly reaffirmed her loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray and the Shiv Sena (UBT). After meeting Thackeray at Matoshree, she stated that she remained committed to the party and would continue working with complete loyalty.
The latest developments represent another chapter in the long-running battle between the Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde factions, which began with the dramatic split in Shiv Sena in 2022. With rumours of further defections and the BMC elections on the horizon, the political contest between the two camps is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.
Published: 22 Jun 2026, 10:24 am IST
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.