The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) appears to be heading towards its most significant internal crisis since the dramatic 2022 split that brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra.
According to multiple reports, seven Lok Sabha MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) are reportedly in advanced discussions to join the Eknath Shinde-led faction ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, raising fresh questions about the party’s organisational stability and leadership structure.
If the move materialises, it could deal a major political setback to Uddhav Thackeray just months before crucial local body elections in Maharashtra.
Apna Sapna Money Money!
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 17, 2026
No no — Mahua ji,the Minimum Support Price is fixed at ₹50 crore per MP.(पचास खोके)
₹15 crore is just the advance.
Frankly, these people aren’t even worth ₹50,000.
Their price has only gone up because of the Shiv Sena and TMC brand label. https://t.co/Srzjgg4DkX
Who Are The MPs Reportedly Planning To Switch Sides?
Sources indicate that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are actively in touch with the Eknath Shinde camp.
The MPs reportedly include:
- Sanjay Dina Patil
- Sanjay Deshmukh
- Nagesh Patil Ashtikar
- Omraje Nimbalkar
- Bhausaheb Wakchaure
- Sanjay Jadhav
In addition, reports suggest that Rajabhau Waje may also join the group.
Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha, meaning the defection of seven members could significantly weaken the party’s parliamentary presence.
According to reports, the rebel MPs recently met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the residence of his son, Shrikant Shinde, in New Delhi. Further meetings are also believed to be under discussion.
Why Are The MPs Reportedly Unhappy?
Sources have pointed to several long-standing grievances within the party.
Difficulty Accessing Leadership
One of the biggest complaints reportedly revolves around limited access to party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
Several MPs are said to have repeatedly sought appointments with the leadership but were unable to secure meetings, leading to growing frustration.
Lack Of Presence In Constituencies
The MPs reportedly felt that Uddhav Thackeray did not visit their constituencies despite repeated invitations, even when they were dealing with difficult local political situations.
According to sources, this created a perception that grassroots concerns were not receiving adequate attention from the central leadership.
Absence Of Regular Internal Meetings
Another major issue was the alleged lack of structured communication within the party.
MPs reportedly complained that regular organisational meetings were not held, leaving many concerns unresolved and creating a disconnect between elected representatives and party leadership.
Funding Concerns Ahead Of Local Elections
Sources also claim that several MPs sought organisational and financial support for upcoming municipal and local body elections but felt their requests did not receive adequate responses.
This reportedly became a major point of contention, particularly for leaders facing strong political competition at the local level.
What Is ‘Operation Tiger’?
Adding fuel to speculation, Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane publicly referred to the alleged defection drive as “Operation Tiger.”
Tumane claimed that seven Uddhav Sena MPs were willing to work under Eknath Shinde’s leadership and suggested that several MLAs were also in contact with the ruling faction.
“Seven Sena UBT MPs want to join us and work under Eknath Shinde’s leadership. Sixteen of their MLAs are also in contact,” Tumane reportedly said.
Using a hospital analogy, he suggested that discussions had progressed significantly and only the final timing remained undecided.
Political observers view the statement as the clearest indication yet that the Shinde camp believes a major breakthrough is imminent.
Sena UBT Moves To Prevent A Split
In an effort to pre-empt any parliamentary realignment, Shiv Sena (UBT) has reportedly written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The party has sought exclusive recognition as the authorised Shiv Sena group in Parliament and urged the Speaker not to grant separate recognition or privileges to any breakaway faction.
The move is significant because any formal split could trigger questions regarding parliamentary recognition and anti-defection provisions.
The party has also indicated that it reserves the right to invoke the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, commonly known as the anti-defection law.
Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of all party MLAs on June 22 at the Shiv Sena (UBT) headquarters, Shivalay, in Mumbai.
Sanjay Raut Levels Cash-for-Defection Allegation
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has responded aggressively to the reports, alleging that attempts are being made to lure MPs through financial inducements.
In a post on social media, Raut claimed that an advance payment of ₹15 crore was allegedly being offered to each MP to switch camps.
Calling the development “shocking and disgusting,” he accused political opponents of attempting to engineer another split within the party.
Speaking later, Raut defended Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and asserted that the rebels would not be able to secure the numbers required for a successful breakaway.
He also alleged that the BJP was attempting to influence MPs through money, a charge that has not been substantiated publicly.
Why This Matters
The latest developments have revived memories of the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, which split the original Shiv Sena and dramatically altered Maharashtra’s political landscape.
If seven MPs ultimately switch sides, it would represent the biggest setback for Uddhav Thackeray since that split and could reshape opposition politics in Maharashtra ahead of local body polls and future state elections.
For now, all eyes remain on New Delhi and Mumbai, where a series of meetings over the coming days could determine whether Shiv Sena (UBT) faces another major exodus or succeeds in containing the rebellion.