Shiv Sena's Internal Crisis: Eknath Shinde's Camp Claims Defections, Thackeray Faction Dismisses Claims

As the government formation process continues in New Delhi, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Saturday claimed that a couple of newly-elected MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) are in contact with them and are waiting for the right moment to defect.

However, the Thackeray faction dismissed this claim, suggesting that the Chief Minister should focus on maintaining his own party's unity.

Previously, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders claimed that Sena MPs were looking to join their faction and were biding their time for the right opportunity.

Shinde's close associates and party spokespersons, Aurangabad West MLA Sanjay Shirsat and newly-elected MP Naresh Mhaske, made these assertions.

"Two MPs are in touch with us...they have reached out to Shinde Saheb...however, they are waiting for the opportune moment...once the number reaches six, they would formally support the government led by Narendra Modi," said Mhaske, a close aide of Shinde.

According to Mhaske, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has deviated from the core principles of the party and its founder, the late Balasaheb Thackeray. "They distributed lakhs of rupees to a particular religion to secure votes. They visited places of worship and claimed that their religion was in danger to gain votes," he said.

Responding to this, Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader Sushma Andhare stated, "Mhaske should not speak about people who have self-respect...I think he has not yet realized that he has become an MP." Andhare added that she does not give much importance to Mhaske's comments.

Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha member Milind Deora also reacted, saying, "I don't want to comment on who is and who is not in touch with any faction. What I would say is that, under Shinde's leadership, the Shiv Sena has done well in Maharashtra in the Lok Sabha elections. We have a good strike rate. Many people were writing off the Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde, but it has done well."

Deora further added, "I am confident that in the weeks, months, and years ahead, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi at the central level and Chief Minister Shinde at the state level, both governments will work for the welfare of Mumbaikars and Maharashtrians. There is a common thread between both leaders. Both have come from very humble backgrounds, with one rising to become the Prime Minister of the world's largest democracy." In the Lok Sabha polls, Shinde's Sena, which is part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (I.N.D.I.A.), contested 21 seats and won nine.