UBT Shiv Sena Faces Fresh Defection Buzz as Speculation Mounts Over Possible MP Exodus to NDA

According to political circles, as many as seven of the party’s nine MPs are reportedly “in touch” with NDA leaders in the national capital. The speculation gained momentum after five of the nine MPs were absent from a recent meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray at his Matoshree residence in Mumbai.

Those present at the meeting included Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Rajabhau Waje, while Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, and Nagesh Patil Ashtikar were absent. The party later clarified that the absent MPs had joined the meeting online.

Adding to the political uncertainty, the same five MPs were also reportedly absent from birthday greetings extended to Aditya Thackeray a day earlier.

Further intensifying speculation, Bhausaheb Wakchaure publicly denied any internal rift, stating that he remained aligned with Uddhav Thackeray, while also remarking, “do not ask me about tomorrow,” fueling further ambiguity about future political positioning.

Reports also suggested that during the meeting, Uddhav Thackeray addressed concerns of internal dissent and stated that “whoever wishes to leave, can do so happily.” However, this claim was firmly denied by Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Sanjay Raut, who asserted, “I was present in the meeting and Uddhav Thackeray did not say any such thing.”

Sanjay Raut himself contributed to the ongoing narrative of unrest with a social media post referencing political mergers in another party, warning in a veiled message that Maharashtra’s defectors would eventually need a “protector” figure to manage their political survival.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Deshmukh, one of the absent MPs, further deepened speculation after meeting Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav of the Shinde faction shortly after skipping the Matoshree meeting. Party leaders, however, maintained that the meeting was related to constituency work and should not be interpreted politically. Anil Desai reiterated that there was no truth to rebellion claims and dismissed the speculation entirely.

Sanjay Raut also attempted to downplay concerns, stating that any internal issues would be resolved within the party. He remarked that managing internal dissent was not easy, while loyalist Arvind Sawant dismissed the controversy, suggesting that there were no significant defections left to occur and describing the allegations as exaggerated.

Attention has now turned to June 19, the Shiv Sena foundation day, when the UBT faction is scheduled to hold a major gathering at Shanmukhanand Hall in Mumbai as a show of strength. However, Rajabhau Waje indicated possible uncertainty over attendance, citing constituency engagements and travel commitments from Delhi.

The party has also scheduled a meeting of all its Members of the Legislative Assembly on June 22, amid heightened political sensitivity and ongoing speculation regarding internal cohesion.

The developments have placed UBT Shiv Sena under renewed scrutiny, with the coming days expected to be crucial in determining whether the party consolidates its unity or faces another significant organisational rupture.