Big Blow To Uddhav Faction As Six Shiv Sena MPs Likely To Join Shinde Camp Today

Last Updated:June 22, 2026, 08:34 IST

Amid the buzz over 'Operation Tiger', Shiv Sena (UBT) has called a meeting of all its MLAs and MLCs at 2.30 PM.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is facing a big blow as six of his party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs are likely to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday.

According to media reports, the MPs are expected to formally merge with the Shinde faction at around 3 pm. If the move goes through, the rebel group will have the two-thirds strength required under the anti-defection law, protecting them from disqualification.

The Shinde camp is expected to release photographs and videos of six rebel MPs meeting the Lok Sabha Speaker later today, with sources saying the move is intended to convey that ‘Operation Tiger’ has been successfully completed.

Amid the buzz over ‘Operation Tiger’, Shiv Sena (UBT) has called a meeting of all its MLAs and MLCs at 2.30 pm at Shivalay in Nariman Point on the first day of the Maharashtra Legislature’s monsoon session. Uddhav Thackeray is expected to address party leaders and discuss the road ahead as concerns over more defections grow.

The development comes a day after Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Dharashiv MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar publicly announced their decision to join the Shinde camp.

The six MPs who skipped the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17 are Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar. Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs, and the support of six MPs is needed to meet the two-thirds mark.

Explaining his decision, Ashtikar said he and some other MPs had not planned to leave the party until June 18. However, comments made against them over the past few days made them feel there was no point in staying.

“I, and some other MPs, had not taken any decision until June 18. We had not gone anywhere. But certain remarks were made against us since Thursday, which made us feel there was no point in staying in Sena (UBT)," he said in a video message.

Ashtikar said he was not upset with Uddhav Thackeray or party leader Sanjay Raut. However, he indicated that criticism aimed at the dissident MPs had influenced their decision. He added that he had not changed his ideology and had “simply moved from one Shiv Sena to another".

Nimbalkar also confirmed his switch after holding discussions with supporters in his constituency.

His announcement came despite efforts by the Thackeray camp to retain him. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs Kailas Patil and Varun Sardesai visited his Pune residence early on Sunday and conveyed a message from Uddhav Thackeray.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis appeared to suggest that ‘Operation Tiger’ had succeeded. Asked about the split in Shiv Sena (UBT), he said, “The operation has been successful and the body is in very good health. Those who need to introspect should do so."

Fadnavis blamed Uddhav Thackeray for the crisis and said the developments showed growing confidence in the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Shinde also hinted at more political developments. “Whenever I undertake an operation, I complete it fully. We have already shown it," he said.

Asked about ‘Operation Tiger’, he added, “You will get breaking news soon. The MPs are abused, and then you want them back. There is a chemical locha."

Responding to the rebellion, Uddhav Thackeray told party workers in Bhandup that he was not demoralised. Calling it a “sin of the BJP", he said the Shiv Sena led by him remained the only Shiv Sena and accused the BJP of trying to weaken and take over the party.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can ...Read More

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