Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has warned that there can only be one Shiv Sena, as the party's legacy is built around protecting the rights of Marathi people.
Thackeray made the statement on Sunday, amidst a row over MPs switching to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena camp.
Two rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, Omraje Nimbalkar and Nagesh Ashtikar, formally announced their decision to join the Shinde-led faction on Sunday.
The move has dealt a major blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT) and may pave the way for four more defections.
Thackeray started an outreach programme in the North East parliamentary constituency in Mumbai, represented by defected MP Sanjay Dina Patil, on Sunday evening.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a crisis due to a rebellion within the party.
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is reportedly aiming to engineer a far larger crossover from Shiv Sena (UBT) than previously believed, with as many as 45 Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators considering a switch.
