Nirupam Reveals Mass Defection Plan
Senior Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam claimed on Saturday that 15 to 16 MLAs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena are prepared to join the Eknath Shinde faction in the coming days. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Nirupam stated that the defections are imminent due to growing discontent among party legislators.
According to Nirupam, the MLAs are dissatisfied with Uddhav Thackeray's leadership style and the party's direction. He said, "The MLAs feel that Uddhav Thackeray is not taking them into confidence and is running the party arbitrarily. They see Shinde as a more pragmatic leader."
Shinde Faction Gains Momentum
The Shinde faction, which split from the Shiv Sena in June 2022, has been steadily gaining support. Currently, the faction has 40 MLAs in the Maharashtra assembly. If Nirupam's claim holds true, the Shinde camp's strength could rise to 55-56 MLAs, further consolidating its position.
Nirupam alleged that the defection process is being facilitated by the BJP, which is part of the ruling coalition in the state. He said, "The BJP is using its machinery to engineer defections and weaken the opposition." However, he did not provide specific evidence for his claim.
Uddhav Camp Dismisses Claim
The Uddhav Thackeray camp dismissed Nirupam's statement as baseless propaganda. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said, "Nirupam is known for making sensational claims. There is no truth in his statement. Our party is united and strong."
Political analysts view this as a sign of continued instability in Maharashtra politics. The state has witnessed multiple defections and counter-defections since the formation of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in 2019.
Impact on Maharashtra Politics
If the defections occur, it could significantly alter the balance of power in the state. The ruling alliance of BJP and Shinde Sena would gain a stronger majority, while the opposition MVA alliance would weaken. The MVA currently consists of the Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction).
Nirupam urged the Congress leadership to prepare for the potential fallout and take steps to prevent further erosion of the opposition bloc. He said, "The Congress must work with its allies to counter the BJP's tactics."
