Six Shiv Sena MPs Join Shinde Camp: Uddhav Thackeray Says 'I've Faced Crisis Before'

Six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena are set to formally join the camp led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The MPs are expected to arrive in Delhi and hold a press conference on Monday, according to sources. This development comes amid an ongoing power struggle within the party following the split last year.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray sought to downplay the defections. 'I have faced such crisis before also, it has not shaken me... you should all take revenge during election,' he said. His close aide and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut added, 'Many came and many have gone.. but Thackerays have stayed... it doesn't matter.'

One of the six MPs, Omraje Nibalkar, outlined his reasons for the switch during a discussion with party workers. 'The decision has been finalised. Only the official announcement is pending,' he told them. Nibalkar argued that the Thackeray faction lacked resources and political power. 'The very people we entered politics to oppose were thriving during the Congress government's tenure and continue to do so under the BJP government. How long can we keep fighting with limited resources? I honestly feel that we, too, must now pursue the path to power,' he said.

Nibalkar also highlighted local grievances, stating, 'There are no funds available even to repair a simple transformer for farmers. Every year, only estimates are drawn up. The Patil family holds power - he is an MLA, and his wife is a Zilla Parishad member. Should we just stand by and watch helplessly? We must also embrace leadership and power. Payments for our workers' bills are being withheld.'

The MPs have filed a crossover notice with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, claiming to represent the 'real' Shiv Sena and seeking approval for a merger under the two-thirds majority rule to bypass anti-defection laws. Simultaneously, the Thackeray camp has petitioned the Speaker to prevent the change of camp. The Speaker's decision will determine whether the six MPs retain their membership or face disqualification.

This move reduces the Thackeray faction's Lok Sabha strength to just three MPs, while the Shinde faction gains additional numbers. The political crisis in Maharashtra continues to deepen as both sides gear up for electoral battles.