Shiv Sena MPs Stand Firm Amidst Claims of Defection

Eight Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs rejected claims of defection to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, asserting loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray's group. Amidst rumors spread by Maharashtra minister Uday Samant, the MPs reiterated their commitment during a joint press conference, highlighting the ongoing tensions since the BJP-led coalition's power shift in November.

Eight Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentarians have reaffirmed their allegiance to the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, dismissing rumors of defection to the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. These statements come in response to assertions by Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant, who claimed several MLAs and MPs were contemplating a shift.

Currently, Shiv Sena (UBT) holds nine Lok Sabha and two Rajya Sabha seats. On Friday, its Lok Sabha members, including prominent figures like Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, addressed a press conference to firmly distance themselves from such speculations and condemn the spread of misinformation.

Amidst continued bickering between the two factions post the BJP-led coalition's victory in the November assembly, these developments underscore the tension brewing within Maharashtra's political landscape, as both groups prepare for forthcoming local body elections.