In a major development in Maharashtra’s political landscape, Uddhav Thackeray, the leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), has summoned all MPs of his faction to his residence, Matoshree, following speculations that some of them might switch allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The move comes after leaders from the Shinde camp claimed that multiple MPs and MLAs from Uddhav’s faction were in touch with them and could soon jump ship.

Defection Speculations and Political Tensions

This sudden political turmoil has sparked concerns within the UBT faction, which is already dealing with the repercussions of the 2022 Shiv Sena split, when Eknath Shinde and his supporters walked away from Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and later formed the government with the BJP.

The Shinde camp has now claimed that some UBT MPs and MLAs are in communication with them and may soon join their ranks. This has triggered an emergency meeting at Matoshree, Uddhav Thackeray’s residence in Mumbai, to ensure that his MPs remain united amid the growing political uncertainty.

Who Has Attended the Meeting So Far?

As of now, six UBT MPs have reached Matoshree for the urgent meeting. The leaders who have arrived include:

• Sanjay Jadhav
• Ramraje Nimbalkar
• Bhausaheb Wakchaure
• Anil Desai
• Rajabhau Vaze
• Sanjay Deshmukh

Additionally, Rajya Sabha MP Priyanka Chaturvedi is also present at the meeting. The party has confirmed that other MPs are expected to join soon.

UBT's Strength in Parliament

Currently, the UBT faction holds a total of 11 seats in Parliament:

• 9 Lok Sabha MPs, including Arvind Sawant, Nagesh Ashtikar, Sanjay Jadhav, Anil Desai, Sanjay Dina Patil, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Deshmukh, Rajabhau Waze, and Omprakash Rajenimbalkar.
• 2 Rajya Sabha MPs, namely Sanjay Raut and Priyanka Chaturvedi.

The Bigger Picture: Maharashtra’s Political Power Struggle

The recent developments are a continuation of the political turmoil that began when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion within Shiv Sena in 2022, toppling Uddhav Thackeray’s government and aligning with the BJP. Since then, the UBT faction has been struggling to keep its remaining members intact, while the Shinde faction continues to grow in influence.

With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections having concluded, the focus now shifts to the Maharashtra Assembly elections, where both factions will battle for political dominance. The Shinde-BJP alliance is looking to strengthen its grip over Maharashtra, while Uddhav Thackeray is attempting to preserve his party’s core base and prevent further defections.

What’s Next?

With Operation Tiger in full swing, the UBT camp faces a tough challenge in keeping its flock together. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Shinde’s faction gains more support or if Uddhav Thackeray successfully retains his loyalists.

For now, all eyes remain on Matoshree, where Uddhav Thackeray is engaged in a battle for political survival in Maharashtra.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are  NAPS Global.

The Current active IPO are Balaji Phosphates, Shreenath Paper.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.

Join our Finance Saathi Telegram Channel for Regular Share Market, News & IPO Update.