Another Split in Maharashtra Politics? Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Rumored to Meet Eknath Shinde in Delhi

New Delhi: Maharashtra again in the political sensation. Once the most trustworthy leader of Uddhav Thackrey, Eknath Shinde  broke the party into two. Now one more split reportedly in the line. Speculation has been growing for weeks over dissatisfaction among several Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament. However, it remains unclear whether these leaders are preparing to join the Shinde faction or plan to announce a separate group of their own.

What is happening within UBT Split?

Following the Trinamool Congress (TMC) split, now reportedly Shivsena (Uddhav Bala Saheb Thackrey - UBT) may face similar issue. The speculation are there that the few Shiv Sena Member of Parliament reached Delhi to meet Shiv Sena leaders. Noting that few leaders had not gone for the Shiv Sena meeting, reportedly it was not a formal meeting.

Why UBT MPs went New Delhi?

According to media reports, the MPs of UBT split have met with the Deputy CM of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde. The rumours are also there that the MPs of UBT faction had met with the Cabinet Minister Pratap Rao Jadhav. According to some reports, MPs are supposed to move ahead to submit the letter to the Loksabha Speaker. 

Uncertainty over rebel MPs’ next move?

For several weeks, rumors have been swirling about growing discontent among a number of Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament. That said, it is still up in the air whether these dissatisfied leaders intend to cross over to the Shinde faction or form an entirely independent bloc. Currently, the Uddhav Thackeray camp holds nine seats in parliament. In order to bypass legal hurdles under the anti-defection law, a minimum of six MPs would need to break away to make any split official.

At present, the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp has nine MPs. To avoid legal complications under anti-defection rules, support from at least six MPs would be required for any formal split.

Aditya Thackeray dismisses defection rumours?

Speaking to reporters in Pune, Aditya Thackeray rejected the ongoing rumours, urging people not to believe speculation. He said that both he and Uddhav Thackeray have complete faith in those who continue to stand with the party.
Aditya Thackeray and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut also dismissed reports suggesting that an “Operation Tiger” had been launched to persuade party MPs to switch sides. Earlier, Raut had claimed that his party would respond by initiating its own campaign, referred to as “Operation Wolf,” against political opponents.