Mumbai, Agency

Following the recent defection of six members of Parliament (MPs) from the Shiv Sena (UBT) to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, party chief Uddhav Thackeray is set to launch an aggressive political counter-offensive. Starting June 27, Thackeray will embark on a state-wide tour aimed at rebuilding the organization and directly connecting with party cadres.

In a strategic move, Thackeray has specifically chosen the constituencies of the rebel MPs for his rallies, signaling a direct challenge to the defectors. The tour is viewed as a crucial effort to shore up the party’s base, restore worker morale, and assert that the party’s mass support remains intact despite the recent exodus.

The tour commences on June 27 from Yavatmal, the constituency of rebel MP Sanjay Deshmukh, followed by a workers' meeting and public rally in Washim. Later that evening, Thackeray will reach Hingoli, the constituency of rebel MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, where he is expected to address the rebellion directly.

On June 28, a rally will be held in the morning in Parbhani, represented by Sanjay (Bandu) Jadhav, who recently deserted the Thackeray faction. This will be followed by an address in the afternoon in Dharashiv, the constituency of Omraje Nimbalkar, a figure central to recent political developments.

The tour will conclude on June 29 with a massive public rally in Shirdi, the constituency of rebel-aligned MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure.

Ahead of this state-wide campaign, Uddhav Thackeray has convened a special "Tea Meeting" with his faction's MLAs in Mumbai today. The meeting is expected to focus on reviewing the current political landscape, formulating strategies regarding the rebel MPs, and planning for the upcoming local self-government elections.

Political observers note that by targeting the strongholds of the defectors, Thackeray is staging a significant political demonstration. With the party facing organizational upheaval, the outcome of this tour—and whether it succeeds in re-energizing the grassroots cadre—remains the focus of political discourse in Maharashtra.

000