Fresh speculation has emerged about the possibility of another split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) after reports suggested that some of the party's Lok Sabha MPs may be considering forming a separate group.

The discussion gained momentum after only four of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs attended a meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai, while others either joined virtually or communicated separately.The rumours intensified following the visit of senior party leader Sanjay Raut to New Delhi.Reports suggested he might meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to address any potential move by MPs seeking recognition as a separate faction.Raut firmly rejected these claims, stating that all Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs remain united and that there is no threat to the party's existence.

He emphasised the party's long history and cadre-based structure, arguing that individual leaders may come and go but the organisation remains strong.

Additional attention was drawn when Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union minister Prataprao Jadhav from the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.Although Deshmukh had missed the Mumbai meeting citing personal reasons, the meeting fuelled further political speculation.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik publicly stated that legislators who believe in Bal Thackeray's ideology and have confidence in Eknath Shinde's leadership would be welcomed into the Shiv Sena.He also indicated that such leaders would receive priority if they chose to join.

Despite the rumours, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders including Sanjay Raut and Anil Desai have denied any internal rebellion and maintained that all MPs continue to support Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.