- Shiv Sena UBT MP Sawant rejected reports of an imminent split.
- Raut warned rebels to resign; alleged financial inducements for split.
- Speculation of ‘Operation Tiger’ suggests seven MPs may defect.
Amid speculation over a possible split within Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), party MP Arvind Sawant on Wednesday rejected reports suggesting that several MPs were preparing to break away from the faction.
Responding to claims that party MPs were in touch with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as part of a possible defection move, Sawant challenged those making the allegations to provide evidence.
“Go to the person who gave you this news and ask for a proof, of the MPs meeting Om Birla,” he said, dismissing suggestions of a fracture within the UBT camp.
‘How Does It Impact The Country?’
Sawant questioned the attention being given to reports of internal political developments, arguing that larger national issues deserved greater focus.
“Suppose 4 MPs leave a party. How does it impact the country? How is it harming the people? Depreciating Rupee is affecting the country. This is bringing us disrepute in the world,” he said.
Raut Warns Potential Rebels
The remarks came amid growing speculation that a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could break away and form a separate faction.
Earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, along with Lok Sabha MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Raut said any MP wishing to leave the party should first resign and seek a fresh mandate from voters.
“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,” he said.
Allegations Of Attempts To Engineer Split
Raut also alleged that efforts were being made to trigger a split within the party and claimed financial inducements had been offered to lawmakers.
“I have information that Rs 15 crore each was delivered to the MPs, after which they boarded charter flights from three places, including Nanded and Pune. We have issued a whip for the Parliamentary Party Meeting tomorrow. Arvind ji has written to the Lok Sabha Speaker,” he said.
‘Operation Tiger’ Speculation Gains Momentum
Maharashtra’s political circles have been abuzz with talk of “Operation Tiger” amid reports that seven of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha MPs were in contact with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and could join the ruling party.
The speculation has revived memories of the 2022 political upheaval, when Eknath Shinde and several MLAs broke away from Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, resulting in a split in the Shiv Sena.
