Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has issued a strong warning to party Members of Parliament (MPs), stating the party is prepared for a legal battle amidst widespread speculation of defections. Raut announced a crucial meeting of the party's parliamentary group scheduled for Thursday at 11 am, urging all MPs to attend.
Addressing the media, Raut recalled a June 14 meeting where some MPs reportedly swore loyalty to the party in the name of Sai Baba and Mata Bhawani. "If they want to betray their mother – UBT – even after taking an oath, we won't spare them," Raut declared, promising firm action against any who renege on their pledge. He emphasized that the MPs were elected due to Uddhav Thackeray's leadership, not Prime Minister Modi's popularity.
The controversy intensified after Raut alleged on Tuesday night that Maharashtra MPs were being offered ₹15 crore each as an advance to switch allegiance. He posted on X (formerly Twitter) calling the claims shocking and accusing rivals of attempting to buy MPs.
Defection Rumors Stoke Maharashtra Tensions
Reports suggest that six to seven of the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s nine Lok Sabha MPs might be contemplating joining the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This comes as party workers in Marathwada regions like Parbhani, Hingoli, and Dharashiv closely monitor developments.
Local leaders have been quick to assert their MPs' loyalty. In Hingoli, leaders claimed MP Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar would remain with Sena (UBT), with district president Sandesh Deshmukh stating he had spoken to Patil Ashtikar, who was in Nanded, not Delhi. Similarly, Dharashiv city head Somnath Gurav affirmed MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar had made no decision to switch sides.
However, Parbhani district president Ravi Dharme noted that MP Sanjay Jadhav had been absent from party activities for over two months and had previously inquired about changing sides. Jadhav is reported to have spoken to Uddhav Thackeray over the phone, reaffirming loyalty, alongside four other MPs who attended a recent Matoshree meeting virtually, and four who attended in person.
Party Issues Whip Amid Loyalty Concerns
In response to the persistent rumors, Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a whip, mandating all its MPs to attend the upcoming Delhi meeting to discuss critical party matters. Sources indicate that MPs who fail to attend could face disqualification proceedings, a measure reminiscent of the steps taken during the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, which saw 39 MLAs revolt against Uddhav Thackeray.
Despite the brewing crisis, Lok Sabha MP Anil Desai dismissed reports of a breakaway, insisting there was no such move. He highlighted that Uddhav Thackeray has held numerous meetings over the past year and a half, all of which were attended by the party's MPs, either physically or via video conference.
“If anyone wants to go, they can resign and leave. If such reports emerge about our MPs, then they should refute them. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent,” Raut warned during his press conference.