The 60th Foundation Day celebrations of Shiv Sena are taking place on Friday amid intense political speculation over the future of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who have openly defied Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.
There was widespread buzz that the six MPs, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, would formally join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena during the Foundation Day celebrations. However, sources indicated that no such induction is likely to take place on Friday, suggesting that any move has been deferred for now.
The development comes after the MPs skipped aShiv Sena (UBT)parliamentary party meeting despite a party whip, underlining their growing distance from theUddhav Thackeraycamp.
As both rival factions celebrate the legacy of the undivided Shiv Sena, former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray is scheduled to hold meetings with office-bearers from Mumbai North East, represented by rebel MP Sanjay Dina Patil, with similar outreach planned in the constituencies of the other dissident MPs. The effort is aimed at preventing a possible exodus of local leaders and workers should the MPs eventually switch sides, sources told Times Now.
While no crossover is expected on the Foundation Day itself, the continuing uncertainty has ensured that the celebrations remain dominated by questions over the next chapter in the Shiv Sena versus Shiv Sena (UBT) power struggle.
Sources even told Times Now that the six rebel Sena (UBT) MPs sought recognition as a separate group in the Lower House. They submitted a signed letter to the Speaker requesting separate seating arrangements in Parliament, hinting at the split.
According to sources, all these MPs are expected to be present in Delhi on June 22, where they will proceed with the process of merging with Shinde's Shiv Sena. On the same day, these MPs may formally join or merge with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Currently, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha. To avoid the anti-defection law coming into play, at least six MPs are required to switch sides together. After the split, the Sena (UBT) will be reduced to only three MPs in the Lok Sabha, denting the opposition heavily in the western state.
VisitTimes Nowfor theLatest news,India News, and breaking stories from around theWorld.
Ananya is a journalist with a strong grounding in breaking news and a deep-rooted passion for geopolitics. She has 6 years of experience in TV and Dig...View More
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
