Jagran Correspondent, Mumbai: Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) faced fresh setback recently after six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs urged the Speaker Om Birla to merge them with Eknath Shinde's Sena. However, this could not be the end of trouble for the UBT Sena as some of its MLAs are reportedly in contact with Eknath Shinde. Earlier on Thursday, Shinde Sena MLA Bacchu Kadu claimed that a major political upheaval could occur in Maharashtra before the monsoon session begins.
Will MLAs Also Rebel?
While praising Shinde's strategy, Kudu stated that the public representatives are taking their decision considering the future. "The MPs have left, and now some MLAs are likely to leave as well. Shinde's planning is absolutely precise. Leaders and public representatives who take future political circumstances into account are making their decisions," the Shiv Sena MLA stated.
Apart from this, Shinde faction leaders have previously claimed that several MPs and MLAs from the Thackeray faction are in their contact. The reports suggest that after six Lok Sabha MPs, 16 MLAs of the Thackeray camp are also in contact with the Shinde bloc.
Thackeray Faction On Alert
Amid these political developments, UBT Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of party MLAs and Legislative Council members. The meeting has been reportedly called to curb discontent within the party and to address the rumours of a possible split. Earlier while reacting to the MPs' rebellion, Sanjay Raut strongly criticised the Shinde faction and alleged that a huge amount of money was offered to the party parliamentarians.
The Thackeray faction could face a significant organisational challenge if MLAs also decide to join the Shinde group. The Shiv Sena was earlier split in two factions in 2022 after Shinde rebelled against the then Maharashtra chief minister and party chief Uddhav Thackeray. However, no official announcement has yet been made regarding the potential rebellion of the MLAs.