Shiv Sena UBT Faces Fresh Crisis
Six of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting on Thursday, triggering speculation of a possible split within the party. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged that the absent MPs were bribed and shifted to a secure location in Rajasthan to facilitate their defection to the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Raut claimed the rebel MPs received large sums of money and demanded the withdrawal of their police security. He warned of strict action against those allegedly betraying the party and urged them to resign and seek a fresh public mandate.
The meeting was attended by MPs Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Rajabhau Waje, while the absence of six MPs intensified concerns about internal divisions. Following the meeting, party leaders indicated that show-cause notices may be issued to the absent members for violating the party whip.
The development marks another setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp, which has been grappling with defections and organizational challenges since the split in the Shiv Sena. Political observers believe the latest episode could significantly impact the party’s strength and strategy in the coming months.
