Six of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs absent from party meeting, report alleges shift to Shinde faction
New Delhi, [Date] – Only three of the nine Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction attended a party meeting in Delhi on [Date], according to reports. The remaining six MPs are said to have written to the Lok Sabha Speaker requesting recognition as a separate group, indicating a possible realignment with the Eknath Shinde-led faction of the Shiv Sena.
The absent MPs cited ideological differences and concerns over a potential merger with the Indian National Congress as reasons for their decision. Sources suggest they are expected to formally join the Shinde faction next week, which would further weaken Uddhav Thackeray's hold over the party's parliamentary representation.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have not yet commented on the developments. The party, which split from the Shinde faction in 2022, had nine MPs elected in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This meeting was called to discuss party strategy and upcoming parliamentary sessions.
The move, if confirmed, would reduce the UBT faction's strength in the Lok Sabha to three MPs, while bolstering the Shinde faction's numbers. The Election Commission is yet to adjudicate on the rival claims to the original Shiv Sena party name and symbol.
This development underscores the ongoing factional feud within the Shiv Sena, which has been marked by legal battles and political maneuvers since the split in 2022.
