In a significant political development in Maharashtra, six Lok Sabha Members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena in Mumbai on Monday. The move comes after days of speculation regarding possible defections and is being viewed as a major setback for the faction led by Uddhav Thackeray.
The MPs who joined Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena include Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav, Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure, Omprakash Bhupalsingh Nimbalkar, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, and Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar. They were inducted into the party in the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Eknath Shinde holds press conference. (image credit: @mieknathshinde/X)
[/caption]Addressing a press conference following the induction ceremony, Eknath Shinde stated that the political exercise, popularly referred to as “Operation Tiger,” had achieved its objective. Shinde remarked that he does not leave tasks unfinished.
Eknath Shinde said, “I want to tell journalists also that whatever you were running about this like Operation Tiger, etc., I yesterday also told you that I don’t leave anything half done. And this all before you today.” reported HT.
Shinde said the induction process was conducted in accordance with constitutional provisions and parliamentary procedures. He maintained that the MPs joined the party with the aim of ensuring development-oriented governance and strengthening work in their respective constituencies.
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Leaders from the ruling camp welcomed the MPs into the party and praised the leadership of Eknath Shinde. Maharashtra Minister Dadaji Bhuse said the state government was focused on development and welfare initiatives under Shinde’s leadership. Bhuse added that party workers and leaders willing to support the Shiv Sena’s agenda were welcome to join the organisation.
Speaking to reporters, Kadam recalled that Shinde had earlier secured the support of several MLAs and ministers during the party split. He claimed that the addition of six MPs reflected growing confidence in Shinde’s leadership and would contribute to development efforts in their constituencies.
Kadam further alleged that a seventh MP had initially expressed willingness to join but withdrew after a demand for a cabinet position was not accepted. He, however, declined to disclose the MP’s identity.
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The political shift triggered criticism from opposition leaders and members of the Uddhav Thackeray camp. Critics alleged that political inducements and changing loyalties had influenced the defections, describing the development as another challenge for the Shiv Sena (UBT).
The defections have intensified the ongoing political contest between the two factions that emerged following the split in the Shiv Sena.
Responding to the latest developments, Uddhav Thackeray asserted that there could only be one Shiv Sena. He accused the MPs who left his faction of abandoning the party.
