'Unreachable' MPs, switched-off phones: Trouble brews for Uddhav Thackeray’s Sena?
Senior leaders of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have reportedly been unable to reach several of the party’s Lok Sabha MPs, with multiple phones switched off.
The development has triggered fresh speculation about internal dissent within the faction.
According to NDTV reports, the leadership is making personal efforts to contact MPs as concerns grow over possible shifts in loyalty.
Leadership rushes to contain situation
Uddhav Thackeray and senior leaders are actively reaching out to MPs to reassure them and maintain unity.
The party has also convened a parliamentary committee meeting in Delhi, scheduled for Wednesday, as attempts continue to bring all MPs together.
Several senior leaders, including close aides of Thackeray, are expected to travel to the national capital for the meeting.
MPs travel to Delhi amid uncertainty
Amid the uncertainty, Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai are expected to arrive in Delhi on Wednesday.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut is already in the capital, where he has been engaging with party colleagues.
However, some MPs have been described as “not reachable,” intensifying concerns within the party ranks.
Low attendance at key meeting adds to concerns
Speculation gained momentum after a recent internal meeting saw low physical attendance. Out of nine Lok Sabha MPs, only four were present in person, while others joined virtually or by phone.
Several MPs cited prior engagements for their absence, but the limited turnout has added to unease within the party leadership.
Signals from rival camp deepen speculation
Ruling Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik suggested that any MPs willing to shift allegiance would be welcomed into the Eknath Shinde-led faction and given priority.
His remarks followed a meeting in Delhi between Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh and Union minister Prataprao Jadhav, which further fuelled speculation about possible political realignment.
Sanjay Raut downplays split rumours
Sanjay Raut, who is currently in Delhi, dismissed reports of an internal rebellion and said attempts were being made to create a “wrong picture” of the situation. He asserted that all Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs remain united and loyal to Uddhav Thackeray.
The party has also rejected suggestions of any imminent split, stating that its long organisational history and cadre strength will help it withstand political pressure.
'Operation Tiger' speculation denied
Amid rumours of a possible poaching attempt by the rival faction—informally referred to as “Operation Tiger”—Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have strongly denied any such development.
The party maintains that despite political turbulence, its MPs remain committed and no formal breakaway has taken place.
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