Maharashtra Shiv Sena split sparks protests as six MPs consider joining Shinde faction

Six Lok Sabha members aligned with Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction are reported to be moving to the Eknath Shinde‑led faction ahead of the party's 60th anniversary. Their planned switch has prompted a strong protest by Shiv Sena (Uddhav) activists in Solapur, where supporters gathered at the Shri Siddheshwar Maharaj temple, raised slogans and staged a symbolic demonstration against the rebels.

Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde, son of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, told reporters that the situation concerning the six MPs will become clear within two days and denied any involvement in the “Operation Tiger” plan. He also commented on past intra‑party tensions, noting that many legislators had already joined the Shinde faction after the 2024 elections.