Mumbai, Correspondent

Maharashtra's political landscape has heated up after six Lok Sabha MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Reacting strongly to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and senior leader Ambadas Danve accused the rebel MPs of "selling themselves" for political gains and rejected their claim that a lack of development funds forced them to switch sides.

Speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan complex, Danve alleged that the six MPs had abandoned the party for personal interests rather than ideology. He claimed that the explanation offered by the MPs—that joining the ruling alliance would accelerate development projects in their constituencies—was "false and misleading."

The six MPs who joined the Shinde camp are Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure.

Danve further alleged that an undisclosed deal had taken place between the MPs and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, adding that details of the arrangement would eventually come to light. He also accused the Shinde faction of drifting away from the party's original ideology.

Addressing concerns over the absence of three MLAs from a meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray, Danve said another meeting of the Mahavikas Aghadi alliance had been scheduled and expressed confidence that all legislators would attend, asserting that the opposition bloc remained united.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also commented on reports that the Shinde faction may establish a separate party office. He said the original Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar holds unmatched emotional and historical significance for Shiv Sainiks and that no new building could replace its legacy.