Another split in Thackeray's Shiv Sena? MPs reach Delhi
What's the story
Another possible rift is brewing in the Shiv Sena (UBT) as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly planning to defect ahead of June 19, the foundation day of the party. Two have already reached Delhi, while the others are expected to arrive later, India Today reported. The meeting is likely to take place at the residence of Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, the son of Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, who was behind the 2022 split, in Delhi.
Meeting absence
Defection rumors gain momentum
The senior Shinde, who was once a key figure in Uddhav Thackeray's camp, is also expected to attend the meeting. The six MPs are Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Sanjay Jadhav. Additionally, Rajabhau Waje is also rumored to join them. The rumors of a possible defection were fueled after five out of nine MPs skipped a meeting at Thackeray's residence, Matoshree.
Raut
'₹15 crore being paid individually to buy MPs'
As rumors of a possible split spread, Thackeray's close aide Sanjay Raut clarified that four of the absent MPs attended virtually while another spoke to Thackeray over the phone. Now, appearing to acknowledge that a rift is likely, Raut on Tuesday alleged that ₹15 crore was being paid individually. "₹15 crore is just the advance. Frankly, these people aren't...worth ₹50,000. Their price has only gone up because of Shiv Sena and TMC brand label," he replied to TMC's Mahua Moitra.
Thackeray's statement
Thackeray draws parallels with 2022 Shiv Sena split
Addressing the issue, Thackeray said he sensed the rebellion long before it became public but chose not to pressure anyone into staying. "I was the Chief Minister...I had a whiff of what was happening. But I didn't say a word to anyone, didn't pressure them, and didn't open file investigations into their scams," he said. "Today might not be mine, but tomorrow definitely is. Until then, we have to endure and bear it," he said at a meeting on Sunday.
Dismissal
MPs have no pressure to switch sides, says party leader
Despite the rumors, party leader Anil Desai dismissed them as baseless. He said all MPs have faith in Thackeray's leadership and there is no pressure on them. Aaditya Thackeray also dismissed any possibility of MPs switching sides. Ruling Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has indicated that rebels would be welcomed, saying "the doors of the Shiv Sena are open to them." "We will give them priority if they thought of it (anytime) in the future."