Shinde Says MPs Joined to Secure Development for Their Constituencies
A day after Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla formally recognised the merger of six former Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs with the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, the Sena chief defended the leaders’ decision, saying their move was driven by development needs rather than personal interests.
Responding to criticism over the political shift, Shinde dismissed allegations that the MPs switched sides for financial benefits and insisted their priority was to bring projects and government support to the constituencies they represent.
“If I were to tell you that the six MPs who joined us did not do so for personal gain, you might dismiss it as a lie. Those making these allegations see nothing but money because their mindset is one of taking, not giving,” Shinde said.
Promises of Development and Administrative Support
Shinde said the newly inducted MPs chose to join his party because they believed it would help accelerate development work in their regions. He added that the state government would ensure the required funds and administrative assistance for projects in their constituencies.
According to Shinde, the MPs have already been introduced to key leaders at the Centre to facilitate faster execution of development initiatives.“We even facilitated a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah, and we will ensure that the departmental work relevant to their areas is completed. The narrative is always the same: if someone leaves, the claim is that they took money. When they are with that faction, they are considered good; when they leave, they are deemed bad,” he said.
Recognition Boosts Shinde Faction’s Numbers
The Speaker’s approval officially validates the merger of the six MPs into the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, increasing the party’s strength in the Lok Sabha to 13 members ahead of the Monsoon Session.
The six MPs had submitted a formal request to the Lok Sabha Secretariat seeking recognition after joining the Shinde faction last month.
Continuing Sena Power Struggle
The development marks another major milestone in the political battle between Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray, whose rival factions have remained locked in legal and political disputes since the Shiv Sena split in 2022.
With Parliament’s Monsoon Session underway, the latest decision is expected to further intensify the political confrontation between the two camps, as both sides continue to battle for influence in Maharashtra and at the national level.
