Sanjay Raut Says Shiv Sena (UBT) Remains Strong Despite Split, Backs Aaditya Thackeray for Bigger Leadership Role

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has asserted that the party remains strong despite recent defections and expressed confidence in Aaditya Thackeray's ability to take on a larger leadership role. His remarks come days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, marking another major setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.

Sanjay Raut Backs Aaditya Thackeray's Leadership

Speaking to PTI Videos on Friday, Raut said the party's younger generation should gradually assume greater responsibility. He praised Aaditya Thackeray's leadership abilities, saying he has the capability to lead the party in the future. 'No Receipt or Update from Trust': Sanjay Raut Seeks Probe into 'missing' 4-kg Silver Brick Donated by Shiv Sena (UBT) for Ram Mandir.

Raut noted that senior leaders have served the organisation for decades and said it was time for younger leaders to take command. He added that Aaditya has already been playing an active role within the party and is well-equipped to shoulder additional responsibilities.

'Party Remains Strong Despite Splits'

Responding to questions about the recent defections, Raut maintained that Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to enjoy public support despite suffering two major splits in the past four years. He alleged that the six MPs who crossed over to the Eknath Shinde-led faction did so for "money, power and protection." According to Raut, such defections would not weaken the party's ideological foundation or organisational strength. ‘Ye S**le B****ike Log’: Why Did Sanjay Raut Ask Media Not To Cut His Abuse-Laced Attack on ‘Rebels’?.

Uddhav Thackeray to Visit Constituencies of Rebel MPs

Raut's remarks came ahead of Uddhav Thackeray's planned tour of the parliamentary constituencies represented by the six rebel MPs. The visit is expected to focus on reconnecting with party workers and reassuring supporters following the latest round of political defections. Party leaders have indicated that the outreach programme is intended to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level and reinforce the leadership's commitment to the cadre.

Recent Political Developments

The latest defections saw six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs formally join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena earlier this week. The move marked the second major split in the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp since 2022 and further reshaped Maharashtra's political landscape.

Despite the setback, Raut insisted the party would continue to grow and remain politically relevant, expressing confidence that its core supporters would stand by the organisation.

Shiv Sena underwent a major split in 2022 when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, resulting in the formation of a separate faction that later became part of the Maharashtra government. The latest defections have intensified the political contest between the two factions, with both sides seeking to consolidate support ahead of future elections.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 26, 2026 06:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).