As speculation intensifies over a possible split in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), senior party leader Sanjay Raut has made a sensational allegation, claiming that several Members of Parliament are being offered huge financial incentives to leave the party.
Addressing a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday, Raut alleged that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had been promised ₹50 crore each to switch political loyalties. According to him, an advance payment of ₹15 crore was also allegedly being offered as part of the deal.
Raut Claims MPs Being Targeted
“I received a call from an important person who informed me that MPs have been promised ₹50 crore, with ₹15 crore already offered as an advance. Attempts are being made to buy elected representatives in Maharashtra,” Raut alleged.
The claims come amid reports that a section of Sena (UBT) MPs may be preparing to break away from the party and align with the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Party Issues Whip to All MPs
In response to the growing uncertainty, Sena (UBT) parliamentary party leader Arvind Sawant has reportedly issued a whip directing all nine party MPs to attend an important meeting scheduled for Thursday.
Raut stressed that MPs elected on the party symbol have a responsibility toward the voters and the organisation.
“Those elected on the party symbol have no right to betray the party. People will not tolerate such actions,” he said.
‘Operation Tiger’ Gains Momentum
Political circles in Maharashtra are closely watching what has been dubbed “Operation Tiger,” a term being used for alleged efforts to attract Sena (UBT) lawmakers to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The buzz gained strength after only four of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs reportedly attended a recent meeting convened by former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai.
Sources suggest that as many as six MPs may be considering forming a separate group before merging with the Shiv Sena parliamentary unit. However, these reports have not been independently verified.
Anti-Defection Law Could Play Key Role
If two-thirds of Sena (UBT)’s Lok Sabha MPs decide to split, they could potentially avoid disqualification under provisions of the anti-defection law.
This possibility has increased concerns within the party leadership, prompting senior leaders to engage in discussions and outreach efforts to prevent further defections.
Possibility of Larger Political Realignment
The political uncertainty may not remain limited to Parliament. Reports indicate that some Sena (UBT) MLAs are also being approached, raising the possibility of a broader political realignment in Maharashtra.
If a significant number of legislators switch sides, it could mark another major setback for the Uddhav Thackeray camp following the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde that reshaped Maharashtra politics.
Shinde Camp Responds
While Eknath Shinde declined to comment directly on the allegations, leaders from his camp denied actively attempting to lure lawmakers.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske stated that the party is open to welcoming anyone who wishes to join voluntarily but rejected claims of organised efforts to engineer defections.
As political developments continue to unfold, all eyes remain on the upcoming meeting of Sena (UBT) MPs, which could determine the future course of one of Maharashtra’s most significant opposition parties.
