Uddhav Thackeray Rejects Congress Merger Claim As Sena UBT Faces Fresh Rift
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has firmly rejected speculation that his party may merge with the Congress, as internal tension grows after six Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial party meeting.
Speaking in Mumbai during the 60th foundation day event of the undivided Shiv Sena, Thackeray said the party was created to protect Marathi interests and Hindutva, not to merge with any other political organisation. His remarks came after rebel MPs reportedly claimed that the Uddhav-led faction was moving too close to the Congress.
Six MPs Skipping Meeting Deepens Crisis
The latest trouble for Shiv Sena (UBT) began after six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs stayed away from an important parliamentary meeting in New Delhi despite a party directive. The absence has triggered fresh questions over party unity and possible political realignment in Maharashtra.
The MPs who skipped the meeting include Nagesh Aashtikar, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure.
Uddhav Dismisses Merger Talk
Rejecting the Congress-merger claim, Thackeray argued that Shiv Sena had remained separate even during its long alliance with the BJP. He said that if the party did not merge with the BJP despite decades of partnership, there was no reason to believe it would merge with the Congress.
Thackeray also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken Shiv Sena, while saying the Congress had political differences with the Sena but had not tried to damage the organisation in the same way.
Emotional Message To Party Workers
During his address, Thackeray said he was ready to step aside as party chief if workers no longer had faith in his leadership. However, he made it clear that he would continue to fight for the party’s ideology and would not allow the organisation to fall into the hands of those he accused of betraying it.
He also apologised to voters, saying people had supported Shiv Sena (UBT) candidates but some elected representatives had now moved away from the party line.
Maharashtra Politics Faces New Turn
The rebellion has added another layer of uncertainty to Maharashtra politics, where Shiv Sena has already witnessed a major split in recent years. With the Uddhav camp facing pressure from within and the Shinde-led Sena watching developments closely, the coming days may be important for the future of Shiv Sena (UBT).
For now, Thackeray’s message is clear: Shiv Sena (UBT) will not merge with Congress, and the party will continue its fight under its own identity.
