Merger with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena is likely to be announced on June 21

The second split in Uddhav Thackeray’s faction of Shiv Sena became almost inevitable today, with six MPs writing to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla about their change if allegiance. Their merger with Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena is likely to be announced on June 21.

The Thackeray camp has called for a party meet at 11 am thursday and issued a notice to the rebel MPs, declaring that action will be taken against them if they fail to turn up.

Taking action could prove difficult — as it did in 2022 when 40 of the party’s 55 MLAs sided with Eknath Shinde and split the party. (UPDATED ON 17TH JUNE 2026)