For an NDA scrambling to firm up its strength in Parliament, the cracks within the opposition look less like turmoil and more like opportunity. First the Trinamool Congress, and now the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), are buzzing with talk of defection — and every such whisper lifts the ruling alliance's expectations. If either situation plays out, the coalition's hand in the Lok Sabha could grow considerably stronger.
Why the NDA is in such a hurry
The roots lie in the previous session of Parliament. On a few crucial bills tied to constitutional amendments, the NDA fell short of the majority it needed and ran into trouble. That setback is exactly why the alliance is now probing ways to draw disgruntled opposition MPs to its side. The first opening appears to come from the Trinamool Congress: a rebel faction within the party claims it has the backing of 19 Lok Sabha MPs, all of them willing to line up behind the BJP-led NDA. Should that claim hold up, clearing several important legislative agendas would become far easier for the ruling camp.
Uddhav's Shiv Sena now in focus
According to sources, the alliance's gaze has shifted from the TMC to the Shiv Sena (UBT). A Times of India report notes that political circles are increasingly abuzz with the view that discontent inside Uddhav Thackeray's party has been deepening ever since the Mahayuti's sweeping win in the Maharashtra assembly election. The chatter that some of the party's MPs may strike out on their own has flared up once again.
The arithmetic is what matters here. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has a total of 9 MPs in the Lok Sabha. To stay clear of the anti-defection law, at least 6 of them would have to merge into another party — only then would such a move stand on firm legal ground.
Why Shinde is the most likely destination
Citing sources, the TOI report suggests that if such a split does occur, the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde would be the most natural home for these MPs. The reasoning is organisational: Shinde is believed to have hardened his footing across the state over the past few years, pulling numerous local leaders into his fold. Uddhav Thackeray's influence, on the other hand, is said to have narrowed largely to Mumbai and a handful of urban pockets. It is this imbalance that is fuelling the talk of revolt.
The real numbers game in Parliament
Per the sources, the NDA's next moves will hinge heavily on how close it can get to the two-thirds mark in the Lok Sabha. The current 540-member House has three vacant seats at the moment. Passing any constitutional amendment bill requires the support of 360 MPs. Against that backdrop, a possible breakup in the TMC and the prospect of backing from some opposition MPs have given the alliance confidence that it can shore up its tally in the days ahead.
