Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Shinde Defends MPs' Merger into Shiv Sena
Six MPs who were previously part of the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena have officially joined the Eknath Shinde faction.
The Lok Sabha Speaker recognized this merger, which means the MPs won't face penalties for switching sides.
Eknath Shinde, the Deputy Chief Minister, said the MPs didn't join for personal gain but to bring development to their areas.
He also mentioned that the party will support them with development funds and meetings with important officials.
This merger strengthens the Shinde faction's presence in the Lok Sabha, bringing their total number of MPs to 13 just before an important session of Parliament starts.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla recognized the merger of six rebel MPs into the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).
Eknath Shinde claimed the MPs joined to bring development to their constituencies, not for personal gain.
The merger increases the Shinde faction's strength in the Lok Sabha to 13 MPs.
Shinde criticized allegations of monetary gain, stating the MPs' motivation was development.
The merger was officially submitted to the Lok Sabha Secretariat nearly a month after the MPs decided to switch sides.
- Who
- Six rebel MPs and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
- What
- Merger of rebel MPs into Shiv Sena recognized by Lok Sabha Speaker
- When
- July 18, 2026
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- Why
- MPs joined to bring development to their constituencies
- MPs Involved
- Omraje Nimbalkar, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Dina Patil
- Party Affiliation
- Shiv Sena (Shinde faction)
- Date of Merger Recognition
- July 18, 2026
- Total MPs in Shiv Sena
- 13
- Monsoon Session Start Date
- July 20, 2026