Major blow to Uddhav Thackeray: 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs set to join Eknath Shinde camp

The Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray is facing a fresh political setback after six of its Lok Sabha MPs reportedly decided to form a separate group and align with the Shiv Sena faction headed by Eknath Shinde.

According to reports, the MPs have submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group.

The development comes amid growing speculation over “Operation Tiger,” an alleged effort to engineer defections from the Thackeray camp.

The six MPs are expected to formally join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena on June 19, a move that could further strengthen the NDA's numbers in the Lok Sabha and weaken the opposition INDIA bloc in Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant has written to the Lok Sabha Speaker urging him not to recognize any breakaway faction, arguing that the dispute over the "real Shiv Sena" remains under consideration before the Supreme Court.

The political developments have intensified uncertainty within the Thackeray camp and could reshape Maharashtra's political landscape ahead of future elections.