Introduction

Political turmoil has once again started to seep into the ranks of the popular Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) as rumours of a division in the Lok Sabha wing of the party are gaining traction. Senior party leader and Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant has formally written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla asking him to not give any recognition, status, privilege or facility to any group representing Shiv Sena (UBT) without the official support of the leadership. 

It has thrust Maharashtra and Delhi into the spotlight, triggering a significant political debate among the party’s various quarters and raising concerns about serious internal differences emerging in the party ahead of political tussles.

Arvind Sawant sent a letter to the speaker, why?

On June 17, 2026, one of the most senior leaders of Shiv Sena (UBT) and party chief in the Lok Sabha, Arvind Sawant had submitted a letter to Speaker Om Birla. He asked in the letter that no separate faction or breakaway group be recognized by parliament if they try to claim representation of the party. 

Sawant said any recognition of such a group would cause confusion on the status of the party and it would affect the democratic process, which is going on before Parliament. The transfer seems to be a precautionary step, as part of a strategy to safeguard the party’s parliamentary image in the wake of rumors of defections.

The letter is meant to make sure that any would-be rebels don’t get a “leg to stand on” in the form of parliamentary recognition before the party leadership has a chance to challenge them, according to political analysts.

A possible split is reported.There has been a report of a Possible Split.

The debate is happening at a time when at least six members of the Shiv Sena (UBT) are reportedly mulling on creating a separate parliamentary group. A number of political sources have suggested that talks about a possible split have been underway for several weeks. 

With 6+ MPs opting out, they could form two-thirds of the Lok Sabha strength of the party. The number is significant now as per anti-defection law because it can lead to merger of groups or separate groups without automatic disqualification. 

Some MPs have been reported to have been in touch with leaders from opposing political parties which has raised concerns among members of the Uddhav Thackeray camp. The rumours have been denied by some leaders, but they have kept the political discourse in Maharashtra buzzing. 

ground: Shiv Sena’s Earlier Split

For an understanding of the developments, it is essential to remember that Maharashtra was dealt a huge blow in 2022 with the grand split in politics.

That year, a big batch of Shiv Sena MLAs led by Eknath Shinde revolted against the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray. The rebellion eventually brought down the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and a new one was formed with the support of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

After some legal and political wrangles, the Election Commission has officially accepted the Shinde faction as the Shiv Sena while Uddhav Thackeray’s faction has been branded Shiv Sena (UBT). These two groups have also been in a state of political brawl in Maharashtra ever since. 

The memories are still fresh of that split, and any reports of new defections will be particularly sensitive for the Uddhav camp.

Operation Tiger: The Defection Buzz

Politics has been buzzing about what has come to be known as “Operation Tiger” in recent days. It is reported that those in the Shinde camp have been trying to roam some MPs and legislators from Shiv Sena (UBT) to come into their fold.

Various names have appeared in the news as potential members of a breakaway group. The MPs in question have not yet officially confirmed this, though.

The rumors reached new heights when it was reported that several MPs were in Delhi and would meet with high-ranking political leaders. 

Inducement and pressure tactics in an attempt to weaken the opposition is the charge thrown by the party leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) against their political opponents.

Sanjay Raut’s Explosive Allegations

The furore was further fueled by senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s sensational allegations of attempts to make inducements for the party to defect.

MPs from his party were allegedly being paid huge amounts of money to cross party lines, Raut said. His statement said that some members of the legislatures were reportedly getting offered to join other political parties up to ₹15 crore each.

No evidence has been presented publicly to substantiate these allegations, but the allegations have increased political tensions and brought about a lot of media attention.

The leaders of the other parties have denied these claims, calling them politically motivated.

Uddhav Thackeray’s Response

Uddhav Thackeray is swift to make efforts to strengthen his party’s position as reports indicate he may face defections.

He has met with MPs and senior leaders to assure him of their loyalty and unity. Party leaders have also been trying to reach out to the Maharashtra local office-bearers and workers for improving organisational unity. 

Thackeray’s approach seems to be on holding on to the idea of unity and instilling confidence in party members and supporters.

The party has said publicly that it is still together, and that the reports about a mass revolt are false. Some MPs, too, have flatly rejected allegations of their intention to quit the party. 

Dhananjayan Rao’s role as Lok Sabha Speaker.

If any faction formally approaches Om Birla as Speaker of Lok Sabha seeking to be considered as a separate parliamentary party, the former may be playing a key role in the process.

In parliamentary practice, requests for recognition, mergers or separate group status are considered and assessed urgently and in accordance with the constitutional and parliamentary rules. 

Arvind Sawant seems to be ensuring that the official party position is formally recorded before such a request is made by writing to the Speaker beforehand.

Political analysts point out that the recognition given to a parliament can have real consequences such as seating allocation, speaking time, access to parliamentary committees, and access to various facilities.

Hence, Sawant’s move is being looked at as one of the pivotal strategic moves.

Impact on Maharashtra Politics

A rift in Shiv Sena (UBT) could have big political ramifications in Maharashtra.

Although the split occurred in 2022, the party is still a vital political force and has a strong role in the opposition alliance in the state. It will further lose its parliamentary weight, which will hamper its negotiating clout, organizational power and election chances.

If the core group of MPs could be expanded, then the ruling alliance would be in a stronger position and might have a better representation in Parliament. 

The next few weeks will be pivotal in deciding whether the current rumours are to become a political realignment or continue as speculation, political observers believe.

Opposition raising concerns about defectors

The controversy comes ahead of the heat that is likely to be generated by several opposition parties in India over alleged attempts at political realignments and engineered defections.

These fears have been exacerbated by recent events that have occurred with other political parties, prompting opposition leaders to be more conscious of maintaining unity in Parliament.

Sawant’s letter is part of an effort by opposition parties to safeguard their parliamentary seats and organization.

What Happens Next?

There are several scenarios that could play out in the days to come:

MPs who are suspected of plotting a split can make their allegiance to the government known on the public floor.

Formal application for separate recognition can be made by a group of MPs.

The Speaker can be represented by several parties.

But a formal split might be avoided if there are internal negotiations.

There is the possibility of further changes in political alliances in Maharashtra.

There is no official recognition of a breakaway faction yet, and Shiv Sena (UBT) has insisted that its parliamentary wing is intact. 

Conclusion

In a major development of the political drama enveloping Shiv Sena (UBT), Arvind Sawant, the leader of the party, has written a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Rumours of defections, allegations of inducements and reports of possible parliamentary realignment have been dominating headlines and the party leadership is attempting to protect itself from the possibility of any faction claiming to run in its name or from being recognised as some sort of parliamentary realignment of the party.

It is not yet clear whether the ongoing controversy will become a severing of unity or will bring the party together. But there is one thing that is evident, the political trajectory of Shiv Sena (UBT) will be closely monitored not just in Maharashtra but the nation as a whole in the coming days and weeks.