Thackeray Calls Emergency Meeting After Six Sena (UBT) MPs Defect to Shinde Camp

Mumbai: In a bid to stem further defections, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has summoned an emergency meeting of all party legislators on Monday evening. The move comes hours before six party MPs are expected to formally switch allegiance to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction.

The six MPs—Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Ashtikar, and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar—have distanced themselves from the Thackeray-led faction and expressed support for the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. This marks the largest exodus from the UBT camp since the original split in the Shiv Sena in June 2022.

The emergency meeting is seen as an attempt to reassure remaining legislators and prevent a cascade of defections. Sources within the party indicate that the Shinde camp has intensified efforts to lure more MLAs, MLCs, and municipal corporators, raising concerns among Thackeray loyalists.

Thackeray, who has been battling to retain control over the party's organisational structure, is expected to issue a stern appeal for unity during the meeting. The party's strength in the Lok Sabha has dwindled significantly after the latest defections, weakening his political hand ahead of upcoming elections.

Eknath Shinde, who led a rebellion against Thackeray in 2022, has consolidated his hold over the Shiv Sena's official name and symbol. The six MPs joining him further bolsters his claim as the legitimate successor to the party's legacy.

The developments underscore the ongoing factional feud within Shiv Sena, with both sides accusing each other of betraying the party's founding ideals. The defections also highlight the challenges faced by regional parties in maintaining internal cohesion amid shifting political alliances.