Six Shiv Sena MPs join Eknath Shinde faction, sparking political fallout in Maharashtra

Six Lok Sabha members of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) have switched allegiance to the Eknath Shinde‑led Shiv Sena, raising the total of defectors from the UBT faction to six out of nine MPs. The defections deepen the split that began in 2022 and led to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition government.

Shinde celebrated the arrivals, calling the move a "jor ka jhatka" and warning of further shocks. The UBT camp, led by Uddhav Thackeray, has sought constitutional safeguards, meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to request any written submissions from the rebel MPs and citing the Tenth Schedule’s restrictions on party mergers.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut accused defecting MP Sanjay Dina Patil of issuing death and bomb threats, alleging Patil said he had killed five people and would blow up protesters. Raut demanded Patil’s arrest under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis pledged strict police action against any such threats.

Discussions have also touched on allegations that development funds were used to induce defections, a claim denied by Shinde’s camp. The episode has intensified political rivalry in Maharashtra, prompting calls for investigations and further legislative scrutiny.