Maharashtra Cabinet Minister says more Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders to join Shinde faction gradually

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister claims Shiv Sena leaders are defecting to Deputy Chief Minister's faction, sparking political realignments.

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Uday Samant on Friday (February 7, 2025) claimed that several leaders from the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) are in contact with the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and will join the party in phases.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Samant said the public now regards Shinde’s Shiv Sena as the true representative of founder Bal Thackeray’s vision. “People have realised that Shinde’s leadership is more effective and responsive compared to Shiv Sena (UBT). This is why many leaders are approaching us,” he said.

Mr. Samant added that such political shifts are carried out discreetly. “Given the work Shinde has done, there is no need to make these efforts public,” the Minister said.

The Shiv Sena split in June 2022 when Mr. Shinde rebelled against then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, leading to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Mr. Shinde’s faction was later recognised as the official Shiv Sena and retained the party’s bow-and-arrow symbol, while Mr. Thackeray’s faction adopted the flaming torch as its symbol and was renamed Shiv Sena (UBT).

Mr. Shinde’s Shiv Sena is now part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP and NCP, while Shiv Sena (UBT) remains aligned with the Opposition MVA coalition. Mr. Samant’s comments have fueled speculation about further political realignments in Maharashtra as parties prepare for future electoral contests.

Meanwhile, eight parliamentarians from the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday firmly dismissed claims of mass defections. The MPs held a joint press conference to reaffirm their allegiance to the party, countering assertions made by Mr. Samant. The eight Lok Sabha members of Shiv Sena (UBT) — Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Rajabhau Waje, Sanjay Jadhav, Nagesh Ashtikar, and Sanjay Deshmukh — categorically denied these claims.

Mr. Sawant, a former Union Minister, said none of the Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had received any overtures to switch sides. He condemned what he described as attempts to “spread rumours” about mass desertions from the Thackeray-led party. “We have stood with the party during challenging times and will continue to do so,” the leader asserted.