SENA UBT CRISIS: Sanjay Raut Issues Notice to Rebel MPs, Warns of Action Over Defection Row

The political turmoil within Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) intensified further after the party formally issued show-cause notices to its rebel Members of Parliament, escalating the ongoing dispute over alleged defections and absence from a crucial parliamentary meeting. Senior party leader and parliamentary group head Sanjay Raut addressed the controversy, stating that only a small number of MPs were present at the recent meeting while the rest were absent, triggering confusion over their status and loyalty. He rejected claims circulating in political circles about the strength of the rebel bloc and questioned the lack of formal communication or verified documentation supporting the defection narrative. According to Raut, the party had not received any official signed communication from multiple MPs, and no verified list confirming resignations or defections had been submitted to parliamentary authorities. He further emphasized that attendance records and internal documentation would determine the next course of action. The party has now issued formal show-cause notices to the absent MPs, requiring them to respond within seven days. Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation could lead to disciplinary and legal proceedings under applicable party and constitutional provisions, including potential anti-defection implications. Raut also asserted that speculation regarding a merger or ideological shift towards another political formation remains unverified and politically motivated. He maintained that any such claims must be supported by formal declarations rather than media narratives or indirect statements. The development marks a critical phase in the internal crisis, with the leadership moving from political rhetoric to formal procedural action. The situation is expected to escalate further as responses from the concerned MPs are awaited, which could determine the future alignment of the faction within Maharashtra’s evolving political landscape.

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