Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has suffered a major political setback after six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs reportedly revolted and initiated the process of joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
According to sources, the rebel MPs submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday morning seeking recognition of their move. Among the names being linked to the development are Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Sanjay Dina Patil.
The development comes despite Sanjay Dina Patil earlier dismissing speculation about leaving the party and publicly asserting his loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray.
The reported rebellion has sparked sharp reactions within the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp. Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, strongly criticized the rebel lawmakers and accused them of betraying the party.
Later, when questioned about his remarks, Raut said the expressions he used were common in everyday Marathi conversation and should be understood in that context.
If confirmed, the latest rebellion would mark the second major split in Shiv Sena within four years, further reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape and weakening Uddhav Thackeray’s faction in Parliament.
