Shiv Sena (UBT) Faces Mass Defections Amid Bribery Allegations in Maharashtra
Six of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly defecting to the rival Eknath Shinde-led faction, with Sanjay Raut alleging bribes of ₹15-50 crore. The party issued a whip and held emergency meetings in Delhi to prevent the split, while the Shinde camp confirmed contact with defectors. The crisis threatens the opposition MVA alliance and strengthens the BJP’s position in Maharashtra.
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Uddhav Thackeray Holds Meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs Amid Defection Rumors
Amid intense speculation that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs might defect to the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde (dubbed 'Operation Tiger'), party chief Uddhav Thackeray convened a meeting of his faction's nine Lok Sabha MPs on June 14, 2026. All nine lawmakers attended either in person, virtually, or by phone. After the meeting, party spokesperson Sanjay Raut declared that all MPs remain firmly united and loyal to the party. Four MPs attended in person at Thackeray's residence 'Matoshree' in Mumbai, including Anil Desai, Arvind Sawant, Sanjay Patil, and Rajabhau Waje. Four others joined virtually, and one MP spoke by phone. Thackeray instructed the MPs to monitor the disbursal of farm loan waiver funds and coordinate with party MLAs. The meeting aimed to quell rumors of potential defections.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Shiv Sena (UBT) Leader Sanjay Raut Alleges ₹15 Crore Bribes to MPs Amid Defection Rumors
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that ₹15 crore would be paid to each of the party's MPs on the night of June 16, 2026, to switch loyalties to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The claim intensified speculation that nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are planning to defect. Raut posted on X, tagging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, calling the development 'shocking and disgusting.' A Shinde camp MLC, Krupal Tumane, confirmed that seven MPs and 16 MLAs are in touch with them and that the defections would be finalized before the Monsoon Session. Shiv Sena Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated the party's doors are open year-round. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting at Matoshree with only four MPs present, and Raut dismissed earlier rumors, insisting all MPs remain loyal. The party plans a meeting of MLAs and MLCs on June 22.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Sachin Ahir joins Shinde faction amid fresh setback for Shiv Sena (UBT)
Sachin Ahir, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, has defected to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and filed his nomination for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. This defection follows the recent switch of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to the ruling faction, dealing another significant political blow to Uddhav Thackeray's party. The article reports on the event and includes reactions from political leaders, highlighting the continuing erosion of support for the Thackeray-led faction in Maharashtra politics.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Uddhav Thackeray Seeks Disqualification of Six Rebel Shiv Sena MPs
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has formally demanded the immediate disqualification of six party Members of Parliament who defected to the rival faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The demand, reported by The Hindu on June 29, 2026, marks an escalation in the ongoing political feud within the Shiv Sena party, which split in 2022. Thackeray's move targets the rebel MPs under anti-defection laws, seeking to strip them of their parliamentary seats. This development underscores the continuing instability and factional rivalry in Maharashtra politics, as both factions claim legitimacy over the original Shiv Sena party and its symbols.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Mudslinging Escalates After Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Defect to Eknath Shinde's Faction
A bitter war of words erupted between the newly inducted Shiv Sena MPs and the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, one day after six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs formally joined Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp. Mumbai North-East MP Sanjay Dina Patil claimed he had paid crores to the UBT leadership for his ticket and was used as a proxy against Raj Thackeray. In response, UBT leader Sanjay Raut questioned CM Devendra Fadnavis on law and order and dared Patil to face him without police protection. Raut alleged the defectors were bribed with up to ₹50 crore each and threatened to expose financial trails to the Enforcement Directorate. The defections are part of 'Operation Tiger', a strategy to split the UBT faction, which Shinde promised would continue.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Uddhav Thackeray seeks disqualification of rebel MPs, says defections part of bigger conspiracy
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray demanded the immediate disqualification of six party MPs who defected to the Eknath Shinde-led faction, alleging the defections are part of a larger conspiracy he termed 'Operation Devendra,' aimed at sidelining Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Speaking at a rally in Parbhani, Thackeray accused the BJP of exploiting the Ayodhya Ram temple for political gain and labeled it the 'Babur Janata Party.' He noted that his party MPs had submitted a formal representation to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and that MP Arvind Sawant cut short a Kargil visit after the Speaker advanced the hearing date. Thackeray questioned the source of the rebel MPs' wealth and their disregard for farmers' issues. The six rebels won against BJP and Shiv Sena candidates in the 2024 general election.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Uddhav Thackeray Offers to Resign as Shiv Sena (UBT) President Amid Defection Crisis; Shinde Warns of Further Splits
On June 19, 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray offered to resign during the party's 60th foundation day event in Mumbai, challenging leaders who believed defectors' allegations against him. He called for launching 'Operation Lotus' to counter the rival Shiv Sena faction's 'Operation Tiger', which allegedly lured six of his nine Lok Sabha MPs to defect. Thackeray denied rumors of a merger with the Congress and criticized the BJP for undemocratic tactics. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, at his own foundation day event, hinted at further defections, claiming 'what was seen was only a trailer'. The developments mark a deepening political crisis within the Shiv Sena and the opposition INDIA bloc, with Thackeray's parliamentary strength potentially reducing to three MPs.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Mudslinging intensifies between rival Shiv Sena factions after six MPs defect
A political war of words has erupted between the newly inducted Shiv Sena MPs and the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, a day after six MPs formally defected from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sene. Accusations include allegations of bribery, contract kickbacks, and political blackmail. Sanjay Raut challenged defector Sanjay Dina Patil to face him without police security, while Patil claimed he paid for his ticket and was mistreated. Raut alleged the defectors received cash payments of ₹15-35 crore and threatened legal action via the Enforcement Directorate. The split is part of 'Operation Tiger', a government strategy to weaken the Thackeray faction. Both sides traded claims about respect, funds, and internal party politics.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Six Lok Sabha MPs Join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in 'Operation Tiger'
On June 22, 2026, six Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction publicly joined the rival Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, an event labeled 'Operation Tiger.' Shinde claimed the defections were conducted within legal and constitutional frameworks, strengthening his party's position as the second largest in Maharashtra and increasing its Lok Sabha representation from seven to 13 seats. The move bolsters the NDA alliance's standing. In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused Shinde and the BJP of attempting to increase their majority to alter India's Constitution, calling the defectors 'shameless and ungrateful.' Shinde, who had led a similar rebellion in 2022, framed the event as a continuation of that split, asserting the MPs would benefit under the 'double engine' government. Legal experts noted the split must be recognized by the Lok Sabha Speaker and the Election Commission.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Maharashtra Deputy CM Declares 'Operation Tiger' Successful; Six Shiv Sena UBT MPs to Merge
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the success of 'Operation Tiger', referring to the defection of six of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs to his ruling Shiv Sena faction. Two MPs, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omraje Nimbalkar, cited lack of development funds and derogatory remarks from Uddhav Thackeray's party as reasons. Party sources confirmed the six MPs have signed a letter forming a separate group and met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, with the two-thirds majority protecting them from disqualification. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis supported Shinde, saying the 'body is healthy'. Uddhav Thackeray blamed the BJP for attempting to break his party, accusing it of a sin. The defecting MPs are Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, and Nimbalkar. Thackeray plans to tour their constituencies from June 26-29 to counter the defections.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar confirms crossover to ruling Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar of Hingoli confirmed on June 21, 2026, that he defected to the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Ashtikar stated that until June 18 he had not decided to leave, but changed his mind following remarks by party leader Sanjay Raut, who had used abusive language against dissident MPs and threatened them with 'Operation Tudwa'. Ashtikar cited lack of development funds and inability to get work done for party activists as key reasons for his defection, though he claimed he had not compromised his ideology, asserting he merely moved 'from one Shiv Sena to another'. He also warned Raut of 'after effects', suggesting he could retaliate. This defection follows an earlier episode known as 'Operation Tiger' and comes amid tensions within the Shiv Sena (UBT), with party president Uddhav Thackeray reportedly offering to step down.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Uddhav Thackeray Offers to Resign as Shiv Sena (UBT) Chief Amid Defection Crisis
On the 60th foundation day of Shiv Sena (UBT), an emotional Uddhav Thackeray offered to step down as party president amid allegations from defecting MPs. He called for launching 'Operation Lotus' in response to 'Operation Tiger', a purported Shiv Sena effort to lure six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs to defect. Thackeray refuted claims his party might merge with the Congress and criticized the BJP for what he called 'dirty politics'. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde hinted at more defections, stating the visible moves were 'only a trailer'. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has initiated disciplinary action against the six absent MPs, marking the second major split in the party in four years since Shinde's 2022 rebellion. Thackeray accused the BJP of eroding democracy and moving toward anarchy.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Aaditya Thackeray Denounces Six Dissident Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs as 'Shameless and Ungrateful' Amid 'Operation Tiger' Rebellion
On June 19, 2026, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray publicly condemned six dissident Lok Sabha MPs—Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar, and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar—as 'shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt' for their alleged rebellion, dubbed 'Operation Tiger'. The MPs are expected to defect to the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. Thackeray accused them of betraying those who helped them win in the 2024 elections. Meanwhile, Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut claimed internal discord among the rebels over who would become a Union minister, alleging a settlement of ₹25 crore for those not chosen. The party had previously issued show cause notices to the six MPs for missing a parliamentary party meeting. The event coincides with the party's 60th foundation day.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Shiv Sena (UBT) Issues Show Cause Notices to Six Rebel MPs Amid Split Rumors
The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, led by Uddhav Thackeray, issued show cause notices to six of its Lok Sabha MPs for failing to attend a parliamentary board meeting, amid widespread speculation of a second party split in four years. The six MPs—Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, and Omraje Nimbalkar—have reportedly rebelled but have not publicly declared their intentions. Party MP Sanjay Raut threatened disqualification and legal action, calling the rebels 'traitors.' Rebel MPs are scheduled to meet rival faction leader and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on June 21, though a merger is not expected this week. One MP, Omraje Nimbalkar, remains undecided, awaiting a court verdict in a murder case involving his father. The development has heightened political tensions in Maharashtra, with the BJP mocking the UBT faction's weakness.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Shiv Sena (UBT) Alleges ₹50-Crore Bribe Offer to MPs, Seeks Speaker's Intervention
Shiv Sena (UBT) has alleged that six of its Lok Sabha MPs are being offered ₹50 crore each to defect, as part of a purported 'Operation Tiger' orchestrated by political rivals. Party leader Arvind Sawant wrote to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on June 16, urging him not to recognize any breakaway faction. The party convened a parliamentary board meeting on June 18 amid uncertainty over the whereabouts of the six MPs, who were absent from a meeting at Uddhav Thackeray's residence. Senior leaders Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant, and Anil Desai held a press conference in New Delhi, with Raut claiming that MPs received ₹15 crore upfront before boarding a plane. The party is taking legal precautions to avoid a repeat of the 2022 split. The six MPs reportedly include Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, and Omraje Nimbalkar.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Skip Delhi Meeting, Fueling Rebellion Fears
Speculation of a fresh rebellion within the Shiv Sena (UBT) intensified after six Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi, despite a mandatory whip. The absences have fueled rumors of a possible switch to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Party leaders have warned of disciplinary and legal action against the absent MPs. The Congress party accused the BJP of engineering defections for political gain. The political battle, referred to as 'Operation Tiger', has sparked a major showdown in Maharashtra politics, threatening the stability of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Operation Tiger triggers panic in Shiv Sena (UBT) as six MPs skip emergency Delhi meeting
Speculation of a fresh rebellion within the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has intensified after six Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi, despite a mandatory whip being issued. The absence has fueled rumors of a possible switch to the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Party leaders have warned of disciplinary and legal action against the absent MPs. The Congress party has accused the BJP of engineering the defections for political gain. The political battle, referred to as 'Operation Tiger', has sparked a major showdown in Maharashtra politics, raising concerns about the stability of the UBT faction.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.BJP Minister Mahajan and Sanjay Raut exchange sharp words over Shiv Sena (UBT) crisis
On June 18, 2026, Maharashtra BJP Minister Girish Mahajan and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut engaged in a heated exchange amid a deepening crisis in the Shiv Sena (UBT). Six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary meeting, signaling a likely defection to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, a BJP ally. Mahajan blamed Raut for the splits, calling him a 'human bomb' and accusing him of driving away party members. Raut retaliated by threatening 'Operation Tudava' against defectors and suggesting Mahajan would be the first to switch parties if he controlled investigative agencies. The war of words highlights the ongoing political instability in Maharashtra's opposition MVA alliance, with the BJP seeking to capitalize on the fractures within the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.From pillars to rebels: The six MPs ready to walk out on Uddhav Thackeray
The Indian Express reports that six Members of Parliament from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena faction are preparing to defect, signaling a major political crisis for the former Maharashtra Chief Minister. These MPs, once considered pillars of the party, are now poised to join the rival faction led by Eknath Shinde, which currently controls the state government. The defections would significantly weaken Thackeray's political standing and could reshape the balance of power in Maharashtra ahead of upcoming elections. The article details the identities of the six MPs and the motivations behind their planned rebellion, including dissatisfaction with Thackeray's leadership and the allure of joining the ruling coalition.
"site:indianexpress.com" - Google NewsShiv Sena (UBT) Warns of Action Against Whip Violators Ahead of Parliamentary Meeting
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant announced on June 18, 2026, that action will be taken against party MPs who violate a three-line whip issued ahead of an emergency parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi. The whip was issued amid speculation of a rebellion, with six MPs reportedly considering defecting to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Raut alleged that MPs are being bought for ₹50 crore, with ₹15 crore already paid. He stated that Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar discussed the need to punish those who resort to treachery, including creating a ruckus in the constituencies of defecting MPs. Pawar reportedly offered to address rallies in those constituencies. The party high command summoned the meeting to force MPs to physically mark their presence, aiming to contain the damage from potential defections.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.