Uddhav Thackeray Rattled as Key MPs Switch to Shinde Camp: "Only One Shiv Sena!"
Uddhav Thackeray Rattled as Key MPs Switch to Shinde Camp: "Only One Shiv Sena!"
Shiv Sena (UBT) faces a major crisis as MPs defect to the Shinde camp. Uddhav Thackeray hits back, asserting the party's legacy and vowing to protect Marathi rights. #ShivSenaCrisis
A significant political upheaval is currently unfolding within Maharashtra as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray grapples with a fresh wave of defections from his camp. Two Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Thackeray-led faction have formally announced their decision to switch allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, dealing a substantial blow to the party and fueling speculation that more defections could follow.
Reacting to the recent setbacks, a visibly rattled Uddhav Thackeray emphasized the unique legacy of his party, stating, “Shiv Sena’s politically legacy was built around protecting the rights of Marathi people and there could be only one Shiv Sena.” He further criticized the defecting MPs, accusing them of betraying both the party and the people for power and money, especially after the Shiv Sena (UBT) secured victories against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led alliance in 2024 with public support.
Among the notable defectors are Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar and Hingoli lawmaker Nagesh Ashtikar. Nimbalkar’s decision came shortly after a sessions court acquitted all accused in the murder case of his father, Pawanraj Nimbalkar, a verdict that followed Thackeray's last-ditch effort to persuade him to stay. Ashtikar, on the other hand, announced his defection via a Facebook live session.
In response to the crisis, Thackeray has initiated an outreach program, starting from the North East parliamentary constituency in Mumbai, a seat previously represented by a defected MP. This move is seen as an attempt to reconnect with the party's grassroots and reassure supporters amidst the internal turmoil.
Sources indicate that the defections are part of a strategic maneuver dubbed "Operation Tiger," reportedly conceptualized shortly after the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to further weaken its rival. This ongoing internal strife promises to keep the political landscape in Maharashtra volatile and engaging.
