Uddhav Thackeray camp faces fresh crisis as 7 MPs eye Shinde faction switch
New Delhi: The political churn in Maharashtra appears far from over. In what could become a significant setback for Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), reports suggest that seven Lok Sabha MPs from the party are considering a move to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
According to sources, the MPs are expected to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday to seek recognition as a separate parliamentary group. If the move gains approval, the faction could subsequently merge with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Before meeting the Speaker, the MPs are likely to assemble at the Delhi residence of MP Srikant Shinde. Eknath Shinde is also expected to attend the discussions, adding to speculation about an impending political realignment.
The development comes amid growing indications of unrest within the Uddhav Thackeray camp and could mark another major shift in Maharashtra's political landscape.
The Seven MPs at the Centre of the Speculation
Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East)
A prominent leader in Mumbai politics, Sanjay Dina Patil has served both as an MLA and a Member of Parliament. Known for his influence across Mumbai's suburban belt, he is regarded as one of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s key faces in the city.
Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani)
Representing Parbhani in the Marathwada region, Sanjay Jadhav is a veteran Shiv Sena leader and multiple-term MP. He is considered one of the party's strongest organisational pillars in Marathwada, enjoying deep roots among the cadre base.
Rajabhau Prakash Waje (Nashik)
Rajabhau Waje, the MP from Nashik, previously represented the Sinnar Assembly constituency. An influential leader in North Maharashtra, he has frequently raised issues related to sanitation workers, rehabilitation, and regional development.
Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure (Shirdi)
A grassroots leader from Ahmednagar district, Wakchaure has built his reputation on issues concerning rural development, irrigation, and farmers' welfare. He remains an important political figure in the Shirdi region.
Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim)
Representing Yavatmal-Washim in Vidarbha, Deshmukh is credited with strengthening the party's presence in eastern Maharashtra. His constituency is considered strategically important for Shiv Sena (UBT) in the region.
Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli)
A former MLA with a strong organisational background, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar has maintained a significant presence in rural Marathwada politics. He is known for actively advocating agrarian and development-related issues.
Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv)
A two-time MP from Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad), Omraje Nimbalkar is among the party's prominent younger leaders. He has consistently raised concerns related to drought, water scarcity, unemployment, and regional development.
Major Test for Uddhav Thackeray
If the reported move materialises, it could deal a fresh political blow to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT), which has already faced a major split following Eknath Shinde's rebellion in 2022. The possible defection of seven MPs would significantly strengthen the Shinde camp's position in Parliament while raising new questions about the future strength of the Uddhav faction ahead of upcoming political battles in Maharashtra.
