Political Turbulence Looms for Shiv Sena (UBT) and Samajwadi Party

Fresh political developments indicate growing challenges for Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party. Reports suggest that six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs belonging to Shiv Sena (UBT) are preparing to join the faction led by Eknath Shinde. The MPs are believed to have written to the Speaker’s office seeking separate seating arrangements in Parliament, indicating their intention to align with the Shinde camp. In response, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and urged him not to recognize any separate group from their party. The party has also issued a whip for a parliamentary meeting and warned of action against absent members.

Meanwhile, speculation over internal unrest has also emerged within the Samajwadi Party. Uttar Pradesh minister Om Prakash Rajbhar claimed that a major split could occur in the party and alleged that senior leader Ram Gopal Yadav had communicated with Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding possible political realignments. Reacting to the claims, Akhilesh Yadav stated that attempts to weaken opposition parties through pressure and persuasion were ongoing and that only those who succumb to fear would leave the party. Separately, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal described political defections as unethical, unconstitutional, and contrary to democratic principles.