Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) witnessed its second split after six of its rebel Lok Sabha MPs switched sides and officially joined Eknath
Shinde’s Shiv Sena in Mumbai. These six rebel MPs are Nagesh Aashtikar (Hingoli), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East), Omprakash Rajenimbalkar (Dharashiv) and Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi). Notably, an alleged effort to bring Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into the Shinde camp was dubbed “Operation Tiger." The strength of Shinde's Shiv Sena has now increased to 13 in the Lower House and now has more Member of Parliament than the BJP from Maharashtra. Eknath Shinde announced that the six MPs were back to their fold at a presser in Mumbai. On Sunday, two of the six Shiv Sena (UBT) rebel MPs confirmed their switch to the Shiv Sena. Ashtikar Nimbalkar cited various reasons for crossing over to the Shinde camp, including a fund crunch. However, the common refrain was Thackeray's absence from the field during the recent local body polls and the defeat of the Sena (UBT) candidates. In what could be seen as an apparent reference to party leader Sanjay Raut, Ashtikar claimed he and other members had "not gone anywhere" until June 18 but changed their minds after certain remarks were made against them. In a video clip posted on his social media handle, Ashtikar said he has not compromised on his ideology and "has just gone from one Shiv Sena to another." "The work of party workers is not being done as we are not on the side of power. People elected us with a lot of expectations, and getting their work done is my job. But I was not getting any development funds. The Rs 5 crore MPLAD fund is very limited. Considering these factors, I have taken this decision," Ashtikar claimed. He even alleged that he did not even get funds for his Lok Sabha constituency for the past two years.
Uddhav Thackeray's Response
Earlier in the day, Thackeray told reporters that he would speak to the media at the right time. "When I feel the time is right, I will call the media and speak to you. Let them (Rebel MPs) present their position. We will soon put forward our side as well,” the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray says, "When I feel the time is right, I will call the media and speak to you. Let them (Rebel MPs) present their position. We will soon put forward our side as well" pic.twitter.com/tSqd9BP0lh
— ANI (@ANI) June 22, 2026
After the split, the Sena (UBT) is left with only three MPs in the Lower House. The development will reshape poliics in Maharashtra as well as in the Centre.
Sources claimed that Thackeray has also called a meeting of his MLAs and MLCs in the afternoon today in Mumbai. There is a buzz that “operation tiger” might also take place at the MLA level. This is seen as a desperate measure by the Uddhav camp to keep his remaining flock together.
