Six Lok Sabha members of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting on June 3, 2026 [1, 3].
The move threatens the stability of the UBT faction, which holds a total of nine MPs in the lower house [2]. A loss of six members would leave the party with only three representatives, significantly diminishing its legislative influence.
Following the missed meeting, the six lawmakers met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi [4, 5]. They submitted a letter to the speaker seeking recognition as a separate group [5]. This formal step indicates a growing rift within the party and a potential official split from Thackeray's leadership [1, 4].
Reports on the rebels' ultimate political destination are contradictory. Some sources said the MPs intend to merge with the opposition Congress party, citing a deviation from the original ideology of the UBT faction [6]. Other reports said the lawmakers have instead accepted the leadership of Eknath Shinde [5].
The rebellion comes amid ongoing volatility within the Shiv Sena's fragmented wings. The six members represent a majority of the UBT faction's presence in the Lok Sabha [1, 2].
While the party has faced internal friction previously, the act of formally petitioning the speaker suggests a permanent break. The outcome of the speaker's review of the letter will determine whether the group is recognized as a separate entity, or merged into an existing party [5].
“Six Lok Sabha members of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting.”
This split could effectively neutralize the UBT faction's presence in the Lok Sabha. Depending on whether the rebels align with Eknath Shinde or the Congress party, the move will either consolidate the Shinde-led Shiv Sena's dominance or shift the balance of the opposition coalition in India's lower house.
