Shiv Sena (UBT) workers protested in Mumbai after six party MPs skipped a meeting and allegedly aligned with the Eknath Shinde-led faction [1].

The unrest threatens the stability of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, as a significant portion of its legislative strength faces potential defection. With only nine total Lok Sabha MPs belonging to the UBT [2], the loss of six members would represent a critical blow to the party's parliamentary influence.

Party leadership responded to the absences by issuing show-cause notices to the six MPs [1]. Reports indicate that four of these lawmakers were moved to a resort in Rajasthan [3]. This tactic is often used in Indian politics to prevent legislators from being influenced by opposing factions or to secure their commitment during critical votes.

The protests in Mumbai were fueled by anger over the rebels' contact with the Shinde faction [1]. Workers said that the internal instability could lead to the UBT being merged with the Congress party [1].

The current tension marks a volatile period for the Thackeray faction. The movement of lawmakers to Rajasthan suggests an urgent attempt to maintain party discipline amid rumors of a "Sena Split 2.0" [1]. The party now faces the challenge of reconciling with its rebels or managing a depleted presence in the Lok Sabha.

“Shiv Sena (UBT) workers protested in Mumbai after six party MPs skipped a meeting”

The potential defection of six out of nine UBT MPs to the Eknath Shinde faction would effectively neutralize the party's presence in the Lok Sabha. This instability highlights the fragile nature of the party's current coalition and suggests that the Shinde-led faction continues to exert significant pull over the original Shiv Sena base, potentially forcing the UBT into a closer, more dependent relationship with the Congress party for survival.