Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 18: Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a fresh political crisis, with reports suggesting that six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are set to break away and form a separate faction, raising questions over Uddhav Thackeray’s hold on the party's parliamentary wing.
Amid growing speculation over a possible split, the party convened a crucial parliamentary meeting at Parliament House on Thursday. However, only three Lok Sabha MPs — Anil Desai, Arvind Sawant and Rajabhau Waje — were present when the meeting commenced. Senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut also attended the gathering.
Sources said the absent MPs are likely to announce a separate parliamentary group after the completion of Maharashtra Legislative Council elections. Parbhani MP Sanjay Bandu Jadhav is reportedly being considered to lead the proposed faction.
The developments are being seen as a significant challenge for Uddhav Thackeray, whose party has been grappling with political setbacks since the split led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in 2022.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut blamed the Supreme Court for the ongoing political turmoil in Maharashtra, alleging that timely intervention by the apex court could have prevented the crisis and subsequent divisions within the Shiv Sena.
Political circles are closely monitoring the situation, as a formal split by six MPs would deal a major blow to Shiv Sena (UBT)'s strength in Parliament and further consolidate the position of the Shinde-led faction.
An official announcement from the rebel MPs is expected later in the day.