The Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a serious political crisis with five of its MPs reportedly moving towards a separate grouping in Parliament.
The speculation began after a recent internal meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray at his Mumbai residence, where only four out of nine MPs attended in person, while five joined online.
The five rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are:
Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav, a senior leader from Maharashtra and a prominent figure in the Marathwada region, representing Parbhani in the Lok Sabha.
Bhausaheb Wakchaure, a veteran politician and social worker from Maharashtra, representing the Shirdi Lok Sabha constituency.
Sanjay Deshmukh, representing Maharashtra's Yavatmal-Washim constituency, an agriculturist and businessman by profession.
Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, representing Maharashtra's Hingoli constituency, a farmer and businessman by profession.
Omraje Nimbalkar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from Maharashtra's Dharashiv (formerly Osmanabad) constituency, a farmer by profession.
However, Sanjay Patil, representing the Mumbai North East Lok Sabha constituency, has denied any plans to switch sides and has clarified that he is committed to the party.
Under the anti-defection law, at least six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs would need to move together to form a separate group without being disqualified.
