Uddhav Thackeray Offers to Resign Amid Fresh Shiv Sena UBT Split
Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray declared his willingness to resign if party members lack confidence in his leadership. The statement follows reports of an imminent defection by six Lok Sabha lawmakers to the rival Eknath Shinde faction during the party’s 60th foundation day.
Key Highlights
- Thackeray offered to step down from the top post if grassroots workers lose faith in him.
- The party chief strongly denied any potential merger between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the Congress.
- Six out of nine Lok Sabha MPs skipped the foundation day event amid defection reports.
- Thackeray called an urgent meeting at Matoshree to address the internal party crisis.
No Merger With Congress: Thackeray
Addressing rumors regarding a political consolidation with the Grand Old Party, Thackeray dismissed the speculation entirely. He noted that since his outfit maintained its distinct identity during a 30-year alliance with the BJP, a merger with Congress is impossible.
Shiv Sena-UTB Split: Thackeray suggested that the local unit of the BJP might instead merge with the Shinde-led faction. He criticized the dissident lawmakers for using the alleged Congress merger as an excuse to justify their defection.
ALSO READ: Shiv Sena Foundation Day Sees Poster War Between Uddhav And Shinde Factions Amid Second Split In Party
Ready To Step Down: Emotional Thackeray
The party chief stated that his determination remains unshaken by external pressure, though he remains ready to abdicate his position if his leadership is questioned. These emotional remarks come during the second major internal rebellion facing his organization within a four-year period.
Thackeray reminded supporters that he has guided the political outfit for more than 10 years. He expressed a willingness to step aside for a fresh leader chosen from the rank-and-file.
ALSO READ: Shiv Sena Completes 60 Years: Uddhav Thackeray Faces Fresh Setback; Why Did Rebel MPs Support Eknath Shinde?
He asserted that while he would welcome a dedicated party worker taking over the presidency, he would refuse to let control fall to external adversaries.
The former Chief Minister defended his political record, noting he resigned from the top state post in 2022 and chose not to continue as an MLC in 2026 to prevent internal friction.
Thackeray maintained that the grassroots cadres are re-energized rather than demoralized by the exit of six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha representatives. He challenged critics who blamed his leadership style, asking how the party won recent elections if he was disconnected from the electorate.
History of Shiv Sena Splits
The current crisis represents the second major fracture in the organization since 2022, when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion that toppled the Maha Vikas Aghadi government. Over its 60-year history, the party founded by Bal Thackeray has witnessed several high-profile exits, including Raj Thackeray and Narayan Rane. This latest split involves six Lok Sabha MPs who chose to skip the foundation day event to align with the Shinde camp, prompting Thackeray to call an emergency meeting at his residence, Matoshree.
FAQs
Why did Uddhav Thackeray offer to resign?
Uddhav Thackeray offered to step down from his post as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief during the party’s 60th foundation day address, stating he would exit if party workers no longer maintained faith in his decade-long leadership.
Is Shiv Sena (UBT) merging with the Congress party?
No, Uddhav Thackeray categorically denied all rumors of a merger with the Congress, pointing out that the party preserved its independent identity even during its 30-year alliance with the BJP.
How many Lok Sabha MPs are involved in the new rebellion?
Six out of the nine Lok Sabha Members of Parliament representing the Shiv Sena (UBT) are reportedly part of the new faction moving to join the rival Eknath Shinde camp.
