Seven members of parliament and 16 members of the legislative assembly from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) are reportedly preparing to leave the party [1].
This potential exodus threatens the stability of the party led by Uddhav Thackeray and could shift the balance of power in Maharashtra and Delhi. The movement suggests a deepening rift within the party's ranks as political alliances shift.
Reports indicate that seven of the party's nine total MPs are set to desert the organization [2]. Two of these members of parliament have already arrived in Delhi [2]. The remaining five MPs are expected to arrive in the capital tonight [2].
Beyond the national legislature, the party faces losses at the state level. Sixteen MLAs are reportedly willing to switch sides [1]. These legislators are based in Maharashtra, the home state of the party.
The unrest is linked to internal party dissent and rumors regarding a strategic move known as "Operation Tiger" [1]. Shinde-Sena leaders said these shifts are part of a broader trend of changing political loyalties.
While the party has not officially confirmed these departures, the arrival of lawmakers in Delhi suggests a coordinated effort to exit the party. The scale of the reported defection — involving a majority of the party's parliamentary representation — marks a significant challenge for the party leadership.
“Seven of the party's nine total MPs are set to desert the organization.”
The potential loss of seven out of nine MPs and 16 MLAs would severely diminish Shiv Sena (UBT)'s legislative influence and bargaining power. If these reports are accurate, the party may face a crisis of legitimacy and a diminished role in coalition negotiations, effectively strengthening the Shinde-Sena faction and its allies.
