Aaditya Thackeray, an MLA from the Shiv Sena (UBT), has launched a pointed critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) amidst increasing speculation regarding six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs potentially joining the faction led by Eknath Shinde. Speaking at a press conference on June 22 in Mumbai, Thackeray accused the BJP of attempting to weaken the UBT by allegedly luring away its MPs and MLAs. He contended that the BJP aims to gather sufficient parliamentary votes to instigate changes to the Constitution.

Thackeray articulated concerns that the political manoeuvres by the BJP are aimed at usurping the values embedded in the Constitution, as envisioned by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. He remarked that the BJP’s previous attempts to consolidate power had been thwarted by voters in 2024, when they secured merely 240 parliamentary seats, leading to their current strategy of undermining other political parties.

Furthermore, Thackeray condemned the shifting allegiances of legislators who, he claimed, were elected with the support of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition. He emphasised that the departing MPs were betraying the electorate’s mandate by aligning with a faction they had rejected through their votes, thereby threatening the democratic process.

Accusations Against the BJP-Ran Government

Thackeray did not hold back in his criticism of the BJP-led government, arguing that it fails to govern effectively and resorts to violent and chaotic approaches for political gain. He cited instances in Mumbai and Pune, asserting that the current administration demonstrates a lack of capability in managing municipal bodies.

Additonally, he accused the government of using public funds to facilitate political maneuvers, claiming that while essential services and employee salaries face budget constraints, resources are available for buying political allegiance. Thackeray reinforced his position by asserting that the true Shiv Sena lies with the UBT faction, characterising Eknath Shinde’s group as an extension of the BJP.

The political climate has become increasingly charged following a recent parliamentary party meeting where only three out of nine Lok Sabha MPs were present. This absence raised alarm bells about potential splits within the party and further showcased fissures in their unity. Several key figures attended this meeting, while six MPs remained conspicuously absent.

Speculations of Further Splits Within the Party

The controversy surrounding the alleged defection intensified when Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi reported that six UBT MPs had expressed allegiance to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and were considering joining his faction. This development is seen as indicative of deepening divisions within Shiv Sena (UBT) as reports suggest the potential for major shifts in party loyalty among its parliamentary representatives.

The non-attendance of MPs such as Nagesh Aashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure has further fueled speculation regarding ongoing discord within the party. These developments have drawn the attention of party leadership, with Sanjay Raut, a prominent UBT figure, announcing that steps are already being taken to explore the disqualification of those absent MPs.

This ongoing political saga raises questions about the stability of Shiv Sena (UBT) and its future as a significant player in Maharashtra’s political arena. As the situation evolves, the implications of these shifts will likely resonate beyond the confines of the party, shaping the broader political landscape in the region.

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