Amid speculation of a possible revolt in the parliamentary unit of Shiv Sena (UBT), party MP Sanjay Raut made a sensational claim on Tuesday, alleging that lawmakers are being offered Rs 15 crore each to jump ship.
His allegation came amid reports that at least six of the nine Sena (UBT) MPs are in touch with the rival Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. It also comes amid reports that Shinde has launched what political circles are calling ‘Operation Tiger’—an alleged effort to lure MPs from the Thackeray camp and bolster the Shiv Sena’s strength in the Lok Sabha.
“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!” Raut wrote in a late-night post on X.
Interestingly, Raut’s post came hours after he dismissed reports suggesting that five-six MPs from his party were likely to form a separate faction.
“This is a lie. We have no such information. Four days ago, all these MPs took part in a meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray and expressed faith in his leadership. Some of the leaders even swore by their loved ones, pledging support to Uddhav,” Raut said while addressing a press conference.
Reports said that only four Sena (UBT) MPs physically attended the meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai, deepening perceptions of likely defections. Raut, however, claimed that five other MPs attended the meeting virtually or over the phone.
He said a “wrong picture was being painted” and asserted that all parliamentarians remain firmly with the party and Uddhav Thackeray.
Meanwhile, Raut has reached Delhi, where the Thackeray camp has convened a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday. He is also likely to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to pre-empt any move by party MPs to form a separate group.
