Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 17: Political uncertainty has intensified within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), with reports suggesting that seven of the party's Lok Sabha MPs may seek recognition as a separate parliamentary group before eventually aligning with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

According to reports, the MPs are expected to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek official recognition as a separate group. If the move succeeds, the faction could later merge with the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Ahead of the proposed meeting, the MPs are likely to assemble at the residence of Shiv Sena MP Srikant Shinde in New Delhi. Eknath Shinde is also expected to participate in the discussions.

The seven MPs reportedly at the centre of the political developments are:

Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East)

A prominent leader from Mumbai, Sanjay Dina Patil has served both as an MLA and MP. He is regarded as an influential political figure in Mumbai's suburban region and has been one of the key faces of Shiv Sena (UBT) in the city.

Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani)

A senior Shiv Sena leader from Marathwada, Jadhav has been elected to the Lok Sabha multiple times. He is considered one of the party's strongest organisational leaders in the region.
Rajabhau Prakash Waje (Nashik)

Representing Nashik, Waje previously served as an MLA from Sinnar. He has established a strong political base in North Maharashtra and has raised issues concerning sanitation workers and rehabilitation in Parliament.

Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure (Shirdi)

A grassroots leader from Ahmednagar district, Wakchaure has represented the Shirdi constituency in the past and is known for highlighting issues related to farmers, irrigation and rural development.

Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim)

Deshmukh represents the Vidarbha region and is credited with strengthening the party's organisational network in eastern Maharashtra. He remains an influential leader in the strategically important constituency.

Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli)

A former MLA and current MP from Hingoli, Ashtikar has a strong organisational background within the Shiv Sena and is known for raising agrarian and developmental concerns.

Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv)

Representing Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad), Nimbalkar is a two-time MP and one of the party's prominent young leaders. He has frequently raised issues such as drought, water scarcity and unemployment in the region.

The reported move comes amid growing speculation of a split within Shiv Sena (UBT), although party leaders, including Sanjay Raut and Anil Desai, have repeatedly maintained that all MPs remain loyal to Uddhav Thackeray.

If the seven MPs formally break away and secure recognition as a separate group, it could mark a major political setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction and further strengthen Eknath Shinde's position within the Shiv Sena.