In a major setback for Uddhav Thackeray, all six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs are expected to merge with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena at 3 pm today, according to sources. This crucial move will potentially give the dissident bloc the required two-thirds strength needed to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law.
Amid the intensifying political turmoil triggered by "Operation Tiger", Shiv Sena (UBT) has scrambled to call an urgent meeting of all its MLAs and MLCs at 2.30 pm at the party office, Shivalay, in Nariman Point. Taking place on the first day of the Maharashtra Legislature's monsoon session, the meeting is widely seen as a bid by Thackeray to keep his remaining flock together. Thackeray is expected to address his party legislators directly and outline a strategy to counter the rebellion.
The fast-moving development follows public confirmations on Sunday from two of the dissident MPs, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, who announced their decisions to switch to the Shinde camp. The six MPs who originally skipped the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on 17 June are Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar, and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar. As Shiv Sena (UBT) currently holds nine Lok Sabha seats, the rebel group requires a minimum of six members to cross the legal two-thirds threshold.
Confirming his defection, Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar revealed that harsh remarks made against the dissident MPs after 18 June ultimately forced their hands. In a video shared on social media, Ashtikar clarified that while he was not personally upset with Uddhav Thackeray or senior leader Sanjay Raut, the criticism directed at them in recent days made it clear there was no point in staying. Speaking publicly for the first time since rumours of "Operation Tiger" surfaced, Ashtikar maintained that he had not compromised his ideology, stating he had simply moved from one Shiv Sena to another.
Dharashiv MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar similarly confirmed his defection following discussions with his local supporters. His exit comes despite intense, last-minute efforts by the Thackeray camp to retain him, which included late-night visits from MLAs Kailas Patil and Varun Sardesai to convey a personal message from Thackeray.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has virtually acknowledged the success of the political manoeuvre, dryly noting that the operation had been successful and the body was in very good health. Blaming Thackeray for the crisis, Fadnavis asserted that the developments reflected a growing national confidence in Eknath Shinde's leadership. Deputy Chief Minister Shinde also hinted at the imminent merger, stating that any operation he undertakes is always fully completed and promising breaking news shortly. He added that the MPs had been driven away by internal abuse, describing the party's handling of the situation as a chemical imbalance. Fadnavis reinforced this by declaring that Shinde is the rightful custodian of party founder Bal Thackeray's legacy and ideology.
In response, a defiant Uddhav Thackeray has signalled that he intends to fight back. Addressing party workers in Bhandup, which falls under the constituency of rebel MP Sanjay Patil, Thackeray insisted he remains undemoralised and accused the BJP of attempting to steal and destroy his party. Dismissing recent remarks from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Thackeray maintained that the faction headed by him remains the only true Shiv Sena.
Also read: Shiv Sena turns 60: Two factions face existential crisis
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