Maharashtra Cabinet Minister says more Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders to join Shinde faction gradually-OxBig News Network

File photo of Uday Samant
| Photo Credit: The Hindu

Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Uday Samant on Friday (February 7, 2025) claimed that several leaders from the Opposition Shiv Sena (UBT) are in contact with the Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and will join the party in phases.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Samant said the public now regards Shinde’s Shiv Sena as the true representative of founder Bal Thackeray’s vision. “People have realised that Shinde’s leadership is more effective and responsive compared to Shiv Sena (UBT). This is why many leaders are approaching us,” he said.

Mr. Samant added that such political shifts are carried out discreetly. “Given the work Shinde has done, there is no need to make these efforts public,” the Minister said.

The Shiv Sena split in June 2022 when Mr. Shinde rebelled against then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, leading to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government. Mr. Shinde’s faction was later recognised as the official Shiv Sena and retained the party’s bow-and-arrow symbol, while Mr. Thackeray’s faction adopted the flaming torch as its symbol and was renamed Shiv Sena (UBT).

Mr. Shinde’s Shiv Sena is now part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance, which includes the BJP and NCP, while Shiv Sena (UBT) remains aligned with the Opposition MVA coalition. Mr. Samant’s comments have fueled speculation about further political realignments in Maharashtra as parties prepare for future electoral contests.

Meanwhile, eight parliamentarians from the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Friday firmly dismissed claims of mass defections. The MPs held a joint press conference to reaffirm their allegiance to the party, countering assertions made by Mr. Samant. The eight Lok Sabha members of Shiv Sena (UBT) — Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Rajabhau Waje, Sanjay Jadhav, Nagesh Ashtikar, and Sanjay Deshmukh — categorically denied these claims.

Mr. Sawant, a former Union Minister, said none of the Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had received any overtures to switch sides. He condemned what he described as attempts to “spread rumours” about mass desertions from the Thackeray-led party. “We have stood with the party during challenging times and will continue to do so,” the leader asserted.

The public show of unity by its MPs comes amid ongoing tensions between the two Shiv Sena factions.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena chief and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde addressed the media after welcoming members from the Shiv Sena (UBT) into his faction. He asserted that his party represents the true legacy of late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray, noting that leaders and members from the rival faction have been joining his party over the past two years.

“We are committed to Balasaheb’s core principle that 80% of the party’s efforts should be dedicated to serving society, while only 20% should focus on politics,” Mr. Shinde said. He added that several people from rural parts of the State, Thane, and other areas had joined his party, reaffirming its growing influence and alignment with Bal Thackeray’s vision.