The defection buzz surrounding Shiv Sena (UBT) has once again taken centre stage in Maharashtra politics. Reports suggest that as many as six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs are in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, while five MPs reportedly skipped a recent party meeting, fuelling speculation of an impending rebellion.
The developments come ahead of a crucial Parliament session, where any shift in numbers could further strengthen the NDA's position in the Lok Sabha. Uddhav Thackeray's public statement that MPs are free to leave if they wish has only intensified the political chatter.