Political tensions are once again gripping Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena landscape, with fresh speculation surrounding potential divisions within the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) group. Reports indicate that a handful of Lok Sabha MPs from the faction may be weighing their options, prompting urgent responses from party leadership.
Sanjay Raut, a prominent Rajya Sabha MP from the Uddhav camp, has raised serious allegations of financial inducements, claiming that efforts are underway to lure lawmakers with substantial sums reportedly up to Rs 15 crore per individual. Despite the claims, Raut has downplayed any immediate risk to the party’s stability, asserting confidence in its resilience and the loyalty of its members to the founding ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. He emphasized that Uddhav Thackeray has consistently supported his MPs and that any breakaway attempts would fall short of securing the necessary support.
In response to the growing buzz, the Uddhav faction has convened an important party meeting scheduled for 11 am the following day. Notices have been issued to dissenting MPs, warning that failure to attend could result in disciplinary measures. Senior leaders, including Uddhav Thackeray, are actively engaging with parliamentarians to address concerns and reinforce unity.
The situation echoes events from four years ago, when Eknath Shinde led a significant rebellion that fractured the original Shiv Sena. That split saw multiple MPs align with Shinde, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and Thackeray’s resignation as chief minister. A prolonged legal dispute over the party name and symbol followed, with the matter still unresolved.
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Currently, at least six MPs from the Uddhav group have reportedly become unreachable, with their phones switched off. Several have travelled to Delhi, where a meeting with Eknath Shinde and his son Shrikant was anticipated at the latter’s residence. The focus has shifted to the national capital, with additional engagements possibly involving the Lok Sabha Speaker.
Raut, who held a press conference amid the developments, was joined by colleague Anil Desai. Party efforts continue to persuade MPs and maintain cohesion as the situation evolves. Leaders remain committed to navigating these challenges while upholding the organization’s core principles.
This episode underscores the persistent volatility in Maharashtra politics, where personal loyalties, ideological commitments, and strategic calculations continue to shape alliances and rivalries. The coming days will likely clarify the extent of any internal shifts within the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.