Reports have emerged that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde had a secret meeting with some of Shiv Sena UBT leaders in Thane district of Maharashtra, which has stirred uproar in Maharashtra political circles. Unverified reports claimed that Shinde held a secret meeting with eight out of nine MPs from the Thackeray faction in the district. However, all MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray faction have denied the claims.
According to media reports, Shinde allegedly held a late-night meeting on Wednesday (April 8, 2026) with MPs from the Thackeray camp. Six MPs were said to be present in person, while two reportedly joined via video call. MP Shrikant Shinde was also allegedly believed to have attended the meeting. It was claimed by unverified reports that the MPs were offered an opportunity to join the Sena Shinde faction.
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Names reportedly linked to the meeting include Arvind Sawant, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchoure and Rajabhau Vaje. Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar and another MP were allegedly said to have joined via video call.
Arvind Sawant Rejects Reports
Arvind Sawant, Shiv Sena UBT MP from South Mumbai, strongly denied the reports and criticised the media. He challenged them to publish photographs of those who allegedly attended the meeting. To assert his loyalty, Sawant wrote on a piece of paper that he would remain with Uddhav Thackeray and displayed it on camera.
He said the timing of such reports was suspicious, noting that a court hearing on April 24 will decide the issue of party ownership and symbol. He alleged that such rumours were being spread to demoralise the Thackeray faction.
Sawant said he had received a call from Omraje Nimbalkar, who also denied attending any such meeting. Nimbalkar reportedly expressed anger over the reports and said he would take legal action, including filing a defamation case.
Calling the reports false, Sawant said all MPs remain committed to their work and loyal to the party. He reiterated that he has never been in contact with Eknath Shinde and has not shared a stage with him at any event.
“I do not go where Eknath Shinde is. I have always been with Uddhav Thackeray’s party and will remain so,” Sawant said.