Sena (UBT) functionary threatens party MP Sanjay Deshmukh amid defection buzz

Business To Business, Mumbai, 17^th June, 2026:  A political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra after a local Shiv Sena (UBT) functionary allegedly threatened party MP Sanjay Deshmukh amid intense speculation about possible defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT).
According to reports, a viral video shows local leader Vijay Shendge warning that if Deshmukh switched loyalties without first resigning his Lok Sabha seat, he should not return to the Washim area. Shendge allegedly said that Deshmukh's vehicle would be set on fire if he came back after defecting without seeking a fresh mandate.
The remarks come amid growing rumors of a possible split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, with speculation that several MPs could join the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. Party leader Sanjay Raut has repeatedly claimed that MPs are being offered large sums of money to defect and has challenged any rebel lawmakers to resign and face voters again.
Interestingly, Deshmukh had publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray during an emergency meeting of party MPs earlier this week, dismissing reports that he was planning to leave the party.
The controversy is unfolding against the backdrop of what political circles have dubbed "Operation Tiger"—alleged efforts to engineer defections from Shiv Sena (UBT) ahead of upcoming parliamentary and legislative battles.
Threats of violence against elected representatives can attract legal scrutiny if a formal complaint is lodged, though there has been no immediate indication of police action in this case.