Key Developments
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) along with his son and Lok Sabha MP Shrikant Shinde, amid intense speculation that six MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction are poised to defect to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Party sources confirmed the visit, though no official statement was issued.
A senior Shiv Sena leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that most of the Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are also in Delhi. “The MPs will give a letter to the Speaker to form a separate group in Parliament. If seven MPs leave Uddhav Thackeray, they will merge with the Shiv Sena, as they will form a two-thirds majority of the party,” the leader said.
Sources close to Mr. Shinde indicated that the breakaway MPs had already submitted a letter to the Speaker’s office late Tuesday (June 16, 2026). However, this information could not be independently verified.
Reactions from Both Camps
The Shiv Sena (UBT) reacted sharply. Party spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi termed the move “Operation Betrayal” rather than “Operation Tiger,” as being dubbed by some. “These MPs were elected on the party symbol and on the face of Uddhav Thackeray. If they have the courage, they should resign and contest the election from Eknath Shinde’s party,” she said.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister Uday Samant downplayed the rebellion, attributing it to neglect by the top leadership. “It cannot be called a rebellion. If top leaders are not approachable, elected leaders feel neglected, which can be a reason for such a step,” he stated.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders in Maharashtra claimed they were unaware of the developments and had only heard about “Operation Tiger” from the media.
Party Meeting and Absent MPs
A party meeting called on June 14 at Matoshree in Mumbai saw only three of the nine MPs attending in person. Sanjay Raut explained that the absent MPs joined online and cited personal reasons. He added that they had sworn by the gods to pledge their support to Mr. Thackeray.
Rajabhau Waje, the Lok Sabha MP from Nashik who was speculated to be the seventh defector, told reporters on Wednesday morning that he stood firmly with Uddhav Thackeray, dismissing the rumours.
What This Means for Maharashtra Politics
The potential defection of six or seven MPs could significantly alter the balance of power in Maharashtra’s political landscape. The Shinde faction, which already controls the state government, would gain further strength in Parliament, while the Thackeray-led faction would face a major setback. The development also underscores the ongoing rift within the Shiv Sena, which split in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are likely to defect? Six MPs are speculated to quit, with a seventh possible. If seven leave, they would form a two-thirds majority and merge with the Shinde faction.
- What is 'Operation Betrayal'? Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi coined the term, accusing the defecting MPs of betraying the party and Uddhav Thackeray.
- What did Rajabhau Waje say? Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje, rumoured to be the seventh defector, denied the claims and reaffirmed his loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray.
Source: www.thehindu.com