Sanjay Raut claims rebel Sena MPs got cash and moved to Rajasthan
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday claimed that rebel MPs from his party had been given more money and shifted to a safe
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Thursday claimed that rebel MPs from his party had been given more money and shifted to a safe location in Rajasthan, as the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit faces a crisis. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, he said the dissident MPs were under police protection and demanded that the security provided to them and their properties be withdrawn. Read Full Story Raut also stepped up his attack after six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs skipped its parliamentary party meeting in Delhi, signalling that a formal crossover to the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde could be close.
He said their absence would be treated as a violation of the party whip, while Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant said show-cause notices would be issued to them. At the press conference, Raut referred to the rebel MPs as "traitors" and said, "Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have been given an additional Rs 10 crore each. Earlier, they were given Rs 15 crore each. They have moved from Delhi to a safe location in Rajasthan." Raut, who again used expletives during the press conference, had earlier alleged that the MPs were being offered Rs 50 crore to switch sides.
He also warned that the party would launch 'Operation Tudwa' (bash up) against the rebel MPs. Raut said the dissident lawmakers should resign and seek re-election, adding that Shiv Sena (UBT) workers had worked hard to ensure their victory. "If they have any morality left, then they should quit," he said. The MPs who attended the meeting were Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje, along with Raut, the party's lone Rajya Sabha MP. The six MPs who skipped it were Nagesh Aashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure.Their absence all but confirmed a split in the party's parliamentary ranks, even as Raut alleged that the rebel camp had been given money, protection and a safe location outside Delhi.
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