6 UBT MPs Cross Over To Eknath Shinde, Reviving Memories Of The 2022 Shiv Sena Revolt

The political battle over Shiv Sena's leadership took a fresh turn on Monday as six Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the faction headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The move is being viewed as one of the most significant setbacks for the UBT camp since the 2022 split that reshaped Maharashtra politics and led to the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

The crossover strengthens Shinde's position within the party and adds another chapter to the continuing struggle between the two factions over the Shiv Sena's legacy, ideology and political future.

Which MPs Joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena?

The six MPs who switched sides and joined the Shinde-led camp are:

• Sanjay Dina Patil
• Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar
• Sanjay Jadhav
• Nagesh Patil Ashtikar
• Sanjay Deshmukh
• Bhausaheb Wakchaure

Welcoming the MPs, Shinde described the development as a major moment for his party. Addressing a gathering with all six leaders on stage, he said, "Today, there are six tigers present here."

Taking note of the fact that three of the six MPs are named Sanjay, Shinde jokingly referred to the group as "triple Sanjay power." Using a cricket analogy, he added, "We have hit a sixer now."

Shinde Calls It The Second Phase Of The 2022 Rebellion

Shinde linked the latest defections to the rebellion he led in 2022 against Uddhav Thackeray, a revolt that eventually brought down the then Maharashtra government and split the Shiv Sena.

According to Shinde, the objective behind both the 2022 rebellion and the latest political shift remains the same. "Wherever there is the ideology of Shiv Sena, that is where Shiv Sena is," he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said he had personally spoken with all six MPs over the past two days and described them as leaders focused on serving their constituencies rather than pursuing personal interests.

Defending The Split And His Political Gamble

During his speech, Shinde revisited the criticism he faced after breaking away from the Thackeray camp. He recalled predictions that the legislators who supported him would struggle politically after the split.

"I had said if they don't win, I will resign and go back to my village and become a farmer," Shinde said while defending his decision.

He argued that the electoral success of leaders who backed him proved that the move had public support and reaffirmed his claim that the faction remained committed to Bal Thackeray's political vision.

Focus On Welfare, Development And 'Double Engine Sarkar'

Seeking to highlight the achievements of the government, Shinde pointed to welfare initiatives and infrastructure projects implemented over the past four years. He cited the Ladki Bahin scheme as one of the key programmes undertaken by the administration and said the government's focus remained on development and welfare for ordinary citizens.

"We are a double engine sarkar. We are in the state, we are at the Centre," he said, emphasising the alliance's presence in both state and national governments.

Concluding his address, Shinde stressed that the party functions through collective leadership rather than individual authority. "We are all colleagues. I also worked as a karyakarta when I was CM. I will continue to work as a karyakarta," he said.

The induction of six sitting MPs marks a major boost for the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and is expected to further intensify the rivalry with Uddhav Thackeray's faction as both sides prepare for future political contests in Maharashtra.