Six Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped a mandatory parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi, fueling speculation of a possible switch to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Shiv Sena (UBT) party leaders warned of disciplinary and legal action against the MPs who were absent. Congress accused the BJP of engineering defections for political gain. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hinted at a significant political shift involving Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omraje Nimbalkar, who met supporters to discuss his future amid speculation he might join the Shinde-led faction. Nimbalkar also plans to challenge his father’s acquittal in a murder case in the high court. Arvind Sawant, senior party leader and Lok Sabha parliamentary leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), dismissed reports of rebellion within the party, stating that no MP had formally communicated any decision to leave. Sawant added that any action regarding potential defections must be governed by constitutional provisions and the anti-defection law, and that media reports about defections have not been officially communicated to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Sanjay Raut met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla amid speculation of a split. According to Bluesky, Sawant dismissed reports of rebellion within the party. According to The Hindu, the absence of the six MPs fueled rumors of defections and party leaders threatened action. According to The Times of India, Fadnavis described the development involving Nimbalkar as a 'successful operation'.