'Picture Abhi Baki Hai': Shrikant Shinde Signals More Sena UBT Exits, Says Uddhav Lost Ground

Published 25 June 2026 · india

'Picture Abhi Baki Hai': Shrikant Shinde Signals More Sena UBT Exits, Says Uddhav Lost Ground Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 16:29 IST Targeting

'Picture Abhi Baki Hai': Shrikant Shinde Signals More Sena UBT Exits, Says Uddhav Lost Ground Published By, Last Updated: June 25, 2026, 16:29 IST Targeting Thackeray's leadership style, Shrikant Shinde claimed that leaders and workers were feeling neglected within the UBT camp. Rapid Read Eknath Shinde with his son Skrikant at a roadshow. (PTI File) Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde on Thursday hinted at more defections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), claiming that the former Maharashtra chief minister has “lost his ground" and is unable to keep his MLAs and MPs united. In an interview with CNN-News18, the Kalyan Lok Sabha MP said the recent shift of six UBT MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has strengthened the NDA and boosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political strength.

“Many of those leaving are among the founding members of Shiv Sena. Today, Uddhav Thackeray is calling them bad, but these are the very people who built the party. Uddhav is not available to meet MLAs and MPs. All rebel UBT MPs will strengthen the NDA, and the Prime Minister’s strength has increased. Everybody trusts Eknath Shinde. Hopefully, we will be able to convince all the MPs," Shinde said. Targeting Thackeray’s leadership style, Shrikant Shinde claimed that leaders and workers were feeling neglected within the UBT camp. “In our party, we listen even to the grievances of corporators. That is why people have faith in Eknath Shinde’s leadership," he said. The Shiv Sena MP further suggested that more leaders could join the Eknath Shinde camp in the coming days.

“More leaders are likely to join Eknath Shinde in the coming days. ‘Operation Tiger’ is being described as successful so far, and further exits are expected as the situation continues to unfold," he said. Commenting on the remarks made by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut after the six MPs switched sides, Shinde said Raut’s abusive language reflected his “culture and mindset". “Every day, abusive language is pushing people away from UBT. Picture abhi baki hai. Shiv Sena has always aimed to strengthen the NDA’s position in Maharashtra, and the addition of these MPs will further boost the alliance’s strength and influence in the state," he added. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Saurabh Verma Senior Sub-editor Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor.