Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faces potential split as seven MPs contact Eknath Shinde faction

Maharashtra leader Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena is reportedly on the brink of another split. A senior MLA of Eknath Shinde's breakaway faction, Kripal Tumane, claimed that seven Uddhav-led Shiv Sena MPs are in contact with Shinde and could join his group before the monsoon session of parliament. The alleged defections are said to be progressing under a covert "Operation Tiger" and may be finalized by June 21.

Thackeray dismissed the rumors, stating that all Shiv Sena MPs remain united with him and that anyone wishing to leave will not be prevented. He referenced a June 14 meeting with all MPs, noting that while four members were absent in person, one attended online. The internal turmoil follows the party’s 60‑year anniversary celebrations and comes as the Shinde faction schedules meetings with the dissenting lawmakers in Delhi.

The crisis highlights a power struggle within the party, with Shinde accelerating talks and reports of high‑level contacts, while Thackeray maintains a stance of loyalty and openness to members' decisions.