Political uncertainty has intensified within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena after reports claimed that six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs have rebelled and may join the Eknath Shinde faction. According to sources, the rebel MPs are expected to meet at MP Shrikant Shinde’s residence in Delhi before approaching the Lok Sabha Speaker to stake claim as a separate group and later merge with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. However, uncertainty remains over the meeting’s venue and timing, with reports suggesting strategy discussions are taking place elsewhere. In response to the developments, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant, and Anil Desai have scheduled a joint press conference, while posters outside Matoshree reaffirm support for Uddhav Thackeray. Sanjay Raut has also alleged that MPs were offered an advance payment of ₹15 crore to switch sides, a claim made through a social media post. Meanwhile, the Shinde camp maintains that the defections reflect growing confidence in its leadership, while the Uddhav faction disputes the allegations.

