Reports across outlets describe growing speculation about a potential split in Maharashtra’s Shiv Sena (UBT) ahead of the Monsoon Session, dubbed “Operation Tiger.” Sources cited by The Hindu and Times of India say Eknath Shinde has been in contact with a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs, alongside meetings in Delhi that fuel expectations of defections. Times of India reports that six UBT MPs have formed a separate group and submitted a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker’s office on June 16, with plans to join Shinde’s faction reported for June 19. The Hindu also links Shinde’s Delhi activity to the letter submission.
At the same time, leaders in Uddhav Thackeray’s camp dismiss the reports. Times of India and The Hindu note that UBT leaders have taken counter-steps: Uddhav Thackeray summons Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators on June 22 amid defection rumors, while UBT leaders also meet Speaker Om Birla seeking exclusive recognition as the authorised parliamentary faction. BJP-linked allegations and references to parliamentary rules and an ongoing Supreme Court matter are also reported, as the dispute centers on potential recognition and defection mechanics.
