Big blow to Uddhav Thackeray as six rebel UBT MPs officially join Shinde's Shiv Sena: ‘Operation Tiger successful’

The speculations around their exit began when the rebel MPs had skipped the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17

Updated on: Jun 22, 2026, 18:22:43 IST

By HT News Desk

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The six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, including Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, officially joined Shiv Sena (Shinde) on Monday. They made the announcement official via a press conference in Mumbai.

Six MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) have defected to Shinde faction. (Raju Shinde/HT Photos)

The move has resulted in Sena's MPs increased from from 7 to 13. This has increased the strength of Shiv Sena.

Track Shiv Sena UBT crisis LIVE

Welcoming six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs into his fold, Maharashtra dy CM Eknath Shinde said their induction marked the "second phase" of the political realignment that began with his 2022 revolt against Uddhav Thackeray.

Shinde said all formalities had been completed and the MPs had officially joined the Shiv Sena, which he described as the true inheritor of Bal Thackeray's ideology. Calling the move a "sixer" for his camp, Shinde maintained that his faction's struggle was aimed at safeguarding Balasaheb's vision and values.

ALSO READ | ‘He was pregnant, delivered 6 MPs’: After ‘ga**u’ row, Sanjay Raut’s fresh attack on Shinde as rebels ready to jump ship

Dismissing allegations surrounding the defections, he said the six MPs were seasoned grassroots workers who had joined the party out of conviction.

Where it all began

These 6 rebel MPs had skipped the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17, fuelling speculation that they were on their way to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar were the only two MPs who had confirmed they were shifting to Shinde group.

ALSO READ | Uddhav camp MP number 2 confirms crossover, Sanjay Raut says some rebels ‘in touch’: Latest in Shiv Sena UBT rebellion

Transport Minister and Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik has said that six MPs were impressed by work of Sena chief leader Eknath Shinde and MP Shrikant Shinde and were joining Sena today. They had given a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and wanted to follow ideology of Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.

The six MPs to contest 2029 polls

Shinde, in the presser, said the six MPs who joined his faction had done so voluntarily and without any pressure. He said all six would contest the 2029 Lok Sabha elections on Shiv Sena tickets and would return to Parliament with victories from their respective constituencies.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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