Mumbai Police have been placed on high alert amid concerns of possible political tension and clashes following the rebellion of six MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction.
The development comes on the day Shiv Sena marks its 60th Foundation Day, with the rival factions led by Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde set to hold separate celebrations across the city.
The six MPs have reportedly moved the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group, triggering fresh political uncertainty within the party. The development has sparked anger and resentment among Shiv Sainiks across Maharashtra, leading authorities to strengthen security arrangements in Mumbai.
A visible banner war between the two factions has already emerged at several prominent junctions in the city. Police officials fear that workers and office-bearers from both camps could come face-to-face during the anniversary celebrations, potentially leading to confrontations.
To prevent any law-and-order situation, Mumbai Police have deployed additional personnel at sensitive locations and around the venues of both events. Tight security arrangements have been put in place, with police closely monitoring developments throughout the day.
The Uddhav Thackeray faction will hold its Foundation Day gathering at the Shanmukhananda Hall area, while the Shinde-led Shiv Sena is set to organize a major show of strength in Goregaon. Both factions are expected to use the occasion to demonstrate their political influence and mobilize support from party workers.
Thousands of Shiv Sena workers and office-bearers from various districts of Maharashtra are expected to attend the events. Police are focusing on ensuring that the celebrations remain peaceful and that no untoward incidents occur amid the ongoing political turmoil.
The six MPs whose rebellion has triggered the latest crisis are Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Omraje Nimbalkar.
Political circles are now closely watching whether these MPs will make an appearance at Eknath Shinde’s Foundation Day event. So far, none of the six MPs has publicly disclosed their next move. They have neither addressed the media nor issued statements on social media regarding their position.
Their whereabouts continue to remain a subject of speculation.
Sources indicate that the MPs may publicly explain their stand after receiving official recognition as a separate parliamentary group from the Lok Sabha Speaker.
