Shiv Sena UBT Rebellion Update: Merger process underway, announcement likely on June 21, says report

As per media reports, a letter bearing the signatures of six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs was submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker earlier today, formally initiating the merger process with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. The Speaker also reportedly met MPs loyal to Uddhav Thackeray earlier in the day. A formal announcement regarding the merger is likely on June 21, along with the release of the letter submitted by the rebel MPs. Documentary proof of the letter's submission is also expected to be made public on the same day.

According to media reports, six Uddhav Sena MPs have signed the letter seeking merger with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. 

List of MPs who have reportedly signed the letter

1. Sanjay Dina Patil — Mumbai North East
2. Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure from Shirdi
3. Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav (Bandu Jadhav) from Parbhani
4. Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar — Hingoli
5. Sanjay Deshmukh — Yavatmal-Washim
6. Omprakash Rajenimbalkar - Dharashiv

Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray will not attend the meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs. The meeting is scheduled to take place at 11 am on Thursday at Parliament House in New Delhi. Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction are expected to discuss key political and parliamentary issues during the meeting.

(Inputs from Sachin Choudhary) 

As the Shiv Sena (UBT) stares at a possible split in its Lok Sabha unit, a party MLA from central Maharashtra put up a brave face today, saying the Opposition outfit is dependent on workers and not leaders, and it will continue to grow. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Parbhani district Rahul Patil claimed speculation of defection from his party had been going on for a year now.

Union Minister of State and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Prataprao Jadhav, while speaking to the media at Mumbai's Taj Hotel, targeted the Uddhav Thackeray faction.

He said there was growing resentment among MPs and party workers over statements made by Sanjay Raut regarding the merger of regional parties with the Congress.

Jadhav alleged that such remarks by Raut had fuelled dissatisfaction within Shiv Sena (UBT). He further claimed that the unrest visible within the party was a result of Raut's statements and that, in the future, he himself could become the reason for a split in the UBT-led Shiv Sena.

Sanjay Raut said, "Since yesterday, I have been seeing reports that some MPs from our party are planning to form a separate group and meet the Lok Sabha Speaker. We have informed the Speaker that we do not know whether these reports are true or false, as we have not received any official information regarding such a move. However, these reports are being widely circulated."

He added, "We have submitted a letter requesting that if anyone approaches the Speaker claiming to represent Shiv Sena (UBT) and seeks recognition as a separate group, our side should be heard first. Any decision should be taken strictly in accordance with the rules, the law, the Constitution and the directions of the Supreme Court. That is all we expect."

After meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said, "The Speaker is a respected person for us and we hold him in high regard. He has assured us that the law, rules and regulations will be kept in mind while dealing with this matter."

According to sources, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla was in Rajasthan on Tuesday. It is being claimed that rebel MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray faction travelled to Rajasthan on a chartered flight, where they met the Speaker.

Sources further alleged that the MPs also submitted signed letters to Om Birla during the meeting.

However, there has been no official confirmation of these claims so far.

After an explosive press conference during which he lashed out at rebel Shiv Sena UBT MPs, labelling them as 'traitors', Sanjay Raut along with two party MPs is meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at his chamber in the Parliament complex.

Following the press conference of Shiv Sena (UBT) and the issuing of a whip by Sanjay Raut, political activity has intensified in Delhi. According to sources, a secret meeting of Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde with rebel MPs is currently underway at a hotel in Delhi.

It is being reported that the meeting is focused on discussing the future strategy, particularly in response to Sanjay Raut’s allegations, the issuance of the whip, and the possible legal and political challenges ahead.

Sources said that the next course of action by the rebel MPs will be decided after the meeting concludes. It is also likely that the MPs may meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla later in the afternoon or evening. The proposed meeting is expected to cover issues related to the formation of a separate faction and parliamentary procedures.

Amid the heightened buzz of a rebellion in Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has left his residence for his office in the Parliament complex. It is expected that 6 rebel UBT MPs will meet him there.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from Nashik, Rajabhau Waje, arrived in Delhi amid speculation about a possible split in the party.

He said, “I am with Uddhav ji and will remain with him. I have no contact with anyone else. I have not received any calls, and no contact has been made with me by Shinde ji. I am not upset, and I stand with the Shiv Sena (UBT). I have come here for a committee meeting.”

Arvind Sawant said that they are only receiving information through the media. He added that they believe their MPs are with them and that they are only being cautious based on news reports.

He said that they have written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, stating that no individual MP or MLA is the party, but the party itself is the organisation.

Anil Desai said that he has spoken to the MPs, and according to them, all of them have said they are with the party.

In Delhi, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai have reached Sanjay Raut’s residence, and a press conference is expected shortly.

Uddhav Thackeray MP Rajabhau Waje is also on his way to Sanjay Raut’s residence. Waje is the MP from Nashik.

A fourth chair has reportedly been placed at Sanjay Raut’s residence for the press conference.

According to sources, 7 Lok Sabha MPs of the Shiv Sena (UBT) have been given time by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for a meeting to be held shortly. The MPs have conveyed their wish to split from the party join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction

According to information, MP Omraje Nimbalkar has also reached Delhi. Sources said the MPs departed for Delhi from Pune around 1 a.m. via a private aircraft.

It is further reported that two private planes were kept ready at Pune airport in the name of MP Shrikant Shinde to transport MPs to Delhi.

The plan reportedly changed multiple times, first scheduled for 3 p.m., then 5 p.m., and later rescheduled to a 9 p.m. departure to Delhi.

Sources also said that former minister Tanaji Sawant and Jayraje Nimbalkar travelled along with Omraje Nimbalkar.

Ultimately, the MPs left for Delhi around 1 am.

Reported by Sachin Chaudhary

Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, speaking in Nagpur on “Operation Tiger,” said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has no connection with the developments.

He said that Uddhav Thackeray’s MLAs and MPs are leaving the party on their own and questioned why such a situation has arisen. He reiterated that the BJP has nothing to do with their decisions or movements.

Bawankule also reacted to allegations made by Sanjay Raut, saying that it is wrong to make claims that MPs are taking money. He said such accusations should not be made against MPs and MLAs without evidence.

He added that MLAs or MPs do not change their positions only for money, and that there are multiple reasons behind such political decisions.

Reported by Yogendra Tiwari

Sanjay Raut took a dig at the alleged breakaway MPs and issued a warning for the future.

"A chartered aircraft lands at Nanded airport. Under the name of ‘Operation’, it takes off carrying two MPs. These individuals were never even in a position to travel in a rickshaw, but because of the Thackeray name, their value increased so much that they are now travelling in private planes," he wrote in a post on X.

"Every action will be accounted for. The cowardly foxes have been driven away. Then why do you call yourselves tigers?" he added.

NCP (SP) leader Anish Gawande, reacting to the buzz around “Operation Tiger,” claimed that the exercise has completely failed.

He said that statements made by Prataprao Jadhav appeared contradictory, pointing out that earlier claims suggesting the operation was in its final stage were later followed by a denial. According to him, this indicates that attempts to attract opposition MPs have not succeeded.

Sanjay Raut, reacting to reports about “Operation Tiger” and alleged rebellion within Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, said that the media is creating confusion around routine political movements.

He pointed out that Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje has gone to Delhi for an industry committee meeting, but the news is being portrayed differently.

He also cited Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtekar, saying, “I am in Hingoli, but these people can even forge my fake signature,” dismissing the claims as baseless and misleading.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC has dismissed speculation around “Operation Tiger,” saying that Eknath Shinde continues to gain support due to his governance and popularity.

She said that people from several districts are voluntarily joining the Shiv Sena, and added that Shinde’s only “operation” is focused on the development of Maharashtra and public welfare.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said that the BJP should not remain under the illusion that by gathering a group of “young snakes” and feeding them milk, they can make them bite only the opposition.

She added that such people will eventually turn on everyone, saying that it is in a snake’s nature to bite. “Today it is our turn; tomorrow it could be yours as well,” she remarked.

Around 10 AM today, Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde is expected to meet six rebel MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray faction. Eknath Shinde is also likely to hold a separate confidential meeting with the rebel lawmakers.

It has been clarified that no meeting took place between Om Birla and Eknath Shinde in Jaipur.

The strategy is reportedly aimed at completing “Operation Tiger” today itself.

Afterwards, the rebel group is expected to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla separately and submit a formal letter.

Reported by Sachin Chaudhary

The seven rebel MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) will meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla before 10 am today. The meeting will take place at the Speaker’s residence.

The development comes amid heightened buzz of a split in the Uddhav camp of Shiv Sena. The MPs are likely to switch over to the Eknath Shinde faction and support the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Reported by Devendra Parashar

According to sources, a meeting of all Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs has been called in Delhi tomorrow. The party has also issued a whip in this regard.

The letter further stated that if any such group seeks recognition or special status, Shiv Sena (UBT) should be given an opportunity to present its position before any decision is taken on the matter.

The party also made it clear that it reserves the right to invoke the legal remedies available under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with anti-defection provisions.

Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) has submitted an official letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, seeking recognition of only Shiv Sena (UBT) as the authorised political party in Parliament.

In its communication, the party requested that no separate identity, status, facilities or privileges be granted to any splinter faction, rebel group or independent bloc claiming affiliation with Shiv Sena (UBT).

Speaking on the reported 'Operation Tiger', Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT), claiming the party was "slowly dying" as its MLAs and MPs had lost faith in its leadership.

"The party called UBT is slowly dying. Their MLAs and MPs no longer have faith in the leadership. By 2029, the party will be finished. People are leaving UBT every day. As far as their MPs are concerned, we have nothing to do with it. This is an internal matter of their party," Nirupam said on June 16.

He further claimed that the party would gradually weaken as more leaders chose to leave its fold.

Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena camp is staring at yet another crisis, with seven MPs likely to split from the party. However, this would not be the first instance of leaders breaking ranks with Uddhav. The party's history has been marked by a series of rebellions. Read more

Among the MPs reportedly weighing a switch to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Sanjay Jadhav. Sources said the lawmakers are likely to first constitute a separate parliamentary group before formally merging with the Shinde faction, a move that could have significant implications for the balance of power within Shiv Sena's parliamentary wing.

 Sources said the MPs are scheduled to meet Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also likely to attend the meeting.

The fast-paced developments come amid reports that seven Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs are in contact with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and could formally join the ruling faction in the coming days. Sources said the MPs are scheduled to meet Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also likely to attend the discussions.

According to sources, two of the MPs have already reached the national capital, while four others are expected to arrive later in the day. Following the meeting at Shrikant Shinde's residence, the group is likely to approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to formally convey their position.