Amid speculation that seven MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray led Shiv Sena UBT may switch sides, the party has initiated a large scale damage-control exercise
to reassure its cadre and prevent confusion among workers and office bearers. Party leaders have been directed to convince workers not to believe rumours about MPs defecting. During a meeting of office bearers from Mumbai’s North-East Lok Sabha constituency held at Matoshree yesterday, Uddhav Thackeray reportedly expressed confidence that all party MPs remain with the Shiv Sena (UBT) According to sources, district chiefs, office-bearers and local leaders in constituencies where defection rumours have surfaced have been asked to communicate to party workers that their respective MPs continue to stand with the party and that the organisation must remain united
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The move comes as discussions over a possible split among Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs continue to gain traction. Party leaders are attempting to ensure that even if any MP leaves, the party’s grassroots network of workers and office-bearers remains intact and committed to the organisation.
During the meeting at Matoshree, Thackeray specifically said, North-East Mumbai MP Sanjay Dina Patil is with the party and urged them not to pay attention to rumours
Sources said MPs whose names have surfaced in defection related speculation have also been repeatedly asked by the party leadership to issue clarifications and communicate directly with workers. MPs who were absent from recent party meetings have reportedly been instructed to explain the reasons for their absence to party workers and help maintain unity within the organisation
The party has intensified meetings and outreach efforts across constituencies as part of a broader strategy to keep workers and office-bearers aligned with the leadership amid the ongoing political uncertainty
