Sena UBT MPs offered Rs 15 crore to switch, claims Sanjay Raut amid revolt rumours
A late-night allegation by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut that Maharashtra MPs were being offered an advance of Rs 15 crore each to switch
A late-night allegation by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut that Maharashtra MPs were being offered an advance of Rs 15 crore each to switch sides has dramatically escalated the political storm surrounding a possible rebellion within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. The claim came as speculation intensified that six to seven of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs could break away and join the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Read Full Story In a post on X late Tuesday night, Raut wrote, "Apna sapna money...money! There is information that an advance of Rs 15 crore will be given tonight to buy MPs from Maharashtra. This is shocking and disgusting!" The allegation surfaced amid mounting concerns within Shiv Sena (UBT) over the loyalty of some of its MPs and reports that several lawmakers were in New Delhi as political activity gathered pace. PARTY ISSUES WHIP AMID DEFECTION FEARS With rumours of a split refusing to die down, Shiv Sena (UBT) issued a whip directing all its MPs to attend a meeting in New Delhi to discuss what sources described as "important issues". According to party sources, lawmakers who skip the meeting could face disqualification proceedings. The move mirrors the strategy adopted by the party during the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, when 39 MLAs revolted against the Uddhav Thackeray leadership, triggering the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and eventually splitting the Shiv Sena.
SIX TO SEVEN MPS MAY SWITCH: SOURCES Sources said six to seven MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) were inclined to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, deepening concerns within the Opposition camp. A leader from the Shinde camp claimed the discontent was linked to a possible expansion of Aditya Thackeray's role within the party. According to sources, Shiv Sena (UBT) was considering an announcement regarding Aditya Thackeray on June 19, the 60th foundation day of the undivided Shiv Sena. Some MPs were allegedly unhappy with the prospect of his further elevation, the leader claimed. Sources also said Eknath Shinde was expected to arrive in New Delhi late Tuesday, further fuelling speculation over possible political developments. SARNAIK'S REMARKS ADD TO SPECULATION Adding to the intrigue, Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik appeared to leave the door open for disgruntled lawmakers. "If public representatives like MPs and MLAs do not trust their leadership... If they believe in the ideals of Sena founder Bal Thackeray and are willing to trust the leadership of Eknath Shinde, then the doors of the Shiv Sena are open to them," Sarnaik said. He added, "We will give them priority if they thought of it (any time) in the future." His remarks came a day after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union minister and Shiv Sena leader Prataprao Jadhav in New Delhi. Deshmukh had earlier skipped a meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray at his Mumbai residence on Sunday, citing family reasons.
The BriefWire