Six members of parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) have crossed over to the Eknath Shinde faction in Maharashtra [1].
This realignment shifts the balance of power within the state's fractured political landscape and weakens the Uddhav Thackeray-led wing of the party. The move signals a continuation of the internal instability that has plagued the Shiv Sena since its primary split.
Eknath Shinde said the MPs joined because the faction “truly follows Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology” [3]. He said, "Operation Tiger now complete and successful" [3].
The defection of six [1] lawmakers follows a pattern of instability in the region. In a previous rebellion in 2022, 40 MLAs backed Shinde [4], leading to a major shift in government control. This latest move mirrors that earlier realignment by drawing members away from the Thackeray camp.
Sanjay Raut responded to the crossover by urging the lawmakers to reconsider their decision. He said, "Return to Uddhav Thackeray's Sena if you regret your mistake" [3].
Shinde said the move was a necessary step for those seeking to maintain the original vision of the party's founder. The crossover occurred in May 2026, following a series of meetings that sparked speculation about potential switches in loyalty [5].
“Operation Tiger now complete and successful.”
The defection of these six MPs reinforces Eknath Shinde's position as a dominant force in Maharashtra politics while further isolating Uddhav Thackeray. By framing the move as an ideological return to Balasaheb Thackeray, Shinde is attempting to legitimize his faction as the sole heir to the party's legacy, potentially making it harder for the (UBT) wing to reclaim its former influence.
