A fresh political confrontation has erupted in Maharashtra after six Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Shiv Sena (UBT) joined the Eknath Shinde led Shiv Sena. The development triggered a sharp response from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who mocked Shinde with a controversial remark while addressing reporters.
Referring to the induction of the six MPs, Raut sarcastically said that Shinde was “pregnant” and had “delivered six MPs.”
“Eknath Shinde was pregnant and has delivered six MPs. The delivery happened at Nandanvan,” Raut said.
The remark came just days after another controversy over Raut’s use of an abusive term: “g**du” while attacking the Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister.
The Rajya Sabha member later said, “Those traitors, those dishonest people in society and in politics, the traitors and dishonest people, one should use exactly that kind of language for them.” Raut added that leaders who betrayed their parties, irrespective of political affiliation, deserved similar treatment.
The latest political shift is being seen as a major setback for former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT). The six MPs had skipped an important parliamentary party meeting earlier, fuelling speculation that they were preparing to leave the party. Their move was later confirmed when they formally joined the Shinde faction.
Leaders from the Shinde camp described the development as part of “Operation Tiger,” a campaign aimed at strengthening their party by bringing more leaders into the fold. The induction further boosts the Shinde led Shiv Sena’s strength in Parliament and deepens the divide within the original Shiv Sena.
Responding to the developments, former CM Uddhav Thackeray insisted that there could only be one Shiv Sena.
“Shiv Sena’s political legacy was built around protecting the rights of Marathi people, and there could be only one Shiv Sena. In 2024, we fought against the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led alliance and still won with the people's support. Now by defecting for power and money these MPs betrayed the party and the people,” Thackeray said.
The fresh defections have intensified the political battle between the two Shiv Sena factions, with both sides trading sharp accusations. The developments are expected to have a significant impact on Maharashtra politics as both camps prepare for future electoral contests.
