Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared that the potential defection of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to his faction is merely a prelude to larger political shifts. Addressing party workers, Shinde alluded to internal party issues within Uddhav Thackeray's camp, suggesting a need for introspection. He also expressed confidence in the Mahayuti's victory in upcoming legislative council polls, highlighting a significant political maneuver.