Internal strife grows within UBT Sena over Congress alignment

Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav claims Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators are revolting against senior leader Sanjay Raut’s recent suggestion that regional parties should merge with Congress. The proposal has ignited fears among party members, who view a potential absorption into the national party as an existential threat to their political identity.

Editorial·June 20, 2026·reads: 1,864

Internal strife grows within UBT Sena over Congress alignment

The internal friction intensified as several senior Shiv Sena leaders, including Gulabrao Patil and Sanjay Shirsat, openly criticized the UBT faction for abandoning the ideological roots established by Balasaheb Thackeray. Patil alleged that the alliance with Congress effectively signaled a surrender of the party’s core values. Shirsat echoed these sentiments, questioning the shift in rhetoric and highlighting the historical resistance to such partnerships.

Uddhav Thackeray addressed the growing dissent during the party’s 60th foundation day, vehemently denying any plans for a merger. He challenged his detractors to prove the allegations against him while vowing to protect the party from what he termed "thieves." Despite his defiance, the faction faces mounting pressure, with MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claiming that six UBT MPs have already signaled their support for the Eknath Shinde-led faction. This development has fueled speculation regarding a potential second split within the organization as it struggles to maintain cohesion.