New Delhi, 17 June (H.S.): Political activity in Maharashtra intensified once again on Wednesday amid speculation that several Members of Parliament from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) may be preparing to rebel. Reacting sharply to the reports, senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut warned that anyone intending to leave the party must first resign from their elected position before taking any political decision.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Raut alleged that certain party MPs had been offered Rs 15 crore each to switch allegiance. He further claimed that the lawmakers were later transported from different locations in chartered aircraft. However, he did not present any direct evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Raut said that, in view of the prevailing situation within the party, a whip has been issued for the Shiv Sena (UBT) Parliamentary Party meeting scheduled for Thursday. He stated that all party MPs have been instructed to attend the meeting without fail.

He also informed reporters that party MP Arvind Sawant had written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla regarding the developments.

Launching a strong attack on leaders allegedly adopting a rebellious stance, Raut said those who betray the party would not be spared. He also appealed to the media to broadcast his statements in full and avoid presenting any remarks out of context.

Speaking on the issue, MP Arvind Sawant said, We have written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on the issue of protecting the Constitution. So far, no party leader has informed us that he is leaving the party.

Notably, political circles are abuzz with speculation that six to seven of the nine Lok Sabha MPs belonging to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) may break ranks. Reports suggest that these MPs could join the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. There is also speculation that they may meet the Lok Sabha Speaker to seek recognition as a separate parliamentary group.

However, none of the MPs has publicly announced their departure from the party so far. As a result, political observers remain closely focused on the coming days, which could significantly influence the future of Shiv Sena (UBT) and reshape Maharashtra's political landscape.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar