Maharashtra Politics: Sanjay Raut Alleges Betrayal as UBT Rebuts MP Defection Claims

Amid the ongoing political turmoil within the Shiv Sena (UBT), senior leaders Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Raja Bhau Waje addressed a major press conference in Delhi, responding to reports that several party MPs are in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led faction. Rejecting speculation over a mass defection, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp and accused rivals of attempting to destabilize the party. Sanjay Raut revealed that during a meeting held at Matoshree on June 14, all party MPs had assured Uddhav Thackeray of their loyalty. He claimed that some lawmakers had even sworn by Sai Baba, Mata Bhavani and their mothers while pledging to remain with the party. Raut alleged that efforts to split elected representatives through pressure or inducements were an attack on democratic values and the Constitution. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership also informed the media that it has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him to ensure that all constitutional and parliamentary procedures are strictly followed in any matter related to party representation or merger claims. Additionally, the party announced that an important meeting of its parliamentary group has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 18, where leaders are expected to discuss the evolving political situation and formulate their next course of action amid the ongoing uncertainty.

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