Sanjay Raut alleges rebel MPs received Rs 10 crore, fled to Rajasthan
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that rebel Members of Parliament (MPs) from his party were given an additional ₹10 crore each and have been moved to a safe location in Rajasthan. These allegations come in the wake of six Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) skipping a crucial party meeting, signaling a potential split.
Key Highlights
- Sanjay Raut alleges rebel MPs received additional ₹10 crore.
- Rebel MPs have reportedly been shifted to Rajasthan.
- Six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs skipped a key meeting.
- This signals a potential split within the Uddhav Thackeray faction.
- Raut has warned of 'Operation Tudwa' against the defectors.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has intensified allegations against dissenting Members of Parliament (MPs) from his party, claiming they have been paid an additional ₹10 crore each and relocated to a safe haven in Rajasthan. This dramatic accusation comes at a time when the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction is facing a significant internal crisis, with six out of nine Lok Sabha MPs conspicuously absent from a crucial party parliamentary meeting in New Delhi.
Raut's press conference on Thursday detailed these claims, asserting that the rebel MPs had previously been offered ₹15 crore, and now an additional ₹10 crore had been provided. He further alleged that these MPs have moved from Delhi to Rajasthan, implying a strategic maneuver to destabilize the party.
The absence of these six MPs from the party meeting, despite a three-line whip, has fueled intense speculation about an imminent split within the Shiv Sena (UBT). This situation echoes the larger political turmoil that has plagued Maharashtra's politics, particularly the split that led to Eknath Shinde forming a separate faction and eventually becoming Chief Minister.
In response to the alleged betrayal, Raut issued a stern warning, vowing to launch 'Operation Tudwa' (meaning 'bash up' or 'kick out') against the 'traitors'. He also demanded that the rebel MPs should resign from their Lok Sabha seats and seek re-election, emphasizing that Shiv Sena (UBT) workers had worked hard to secure their victories. Raut stressed that if these MPs possessed any morality, they should step down.
Following the boycott of the meeting, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is contemplating legal action against the absent MPs, with show-cause notices expected. Their no-show is considered a violation of the party whip.
The reports of defections and alleged financial inducements underscore the ongoing political battle for control and influence within the Shiv Sena. This latest development suggests a deepening rift and a heightened struggle for political survival for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has already seen its Lok Sabha strength reduced significantly.
The credibility of the sources reporting on this matter is varied. Moneycontrol.com is generally considered to have a Right-Center bias with Mixed factual reporting. The Indian Express is rated as Left-Center biased with Mixed factual reporting. India Today is rated Right-Center biased with Mixed factual reporting. The Telegraph India is rated Left-Center biased with Mostly Factual reporting. NDTV is rated Right-Center biased with Mixed factual reporting. The claims by Sanjay Raut, while reported by multiple outlets, are statements made by a political figure and are subject to political motivations and potential exaggeration. The fact that some of the MPs involved have denied receiving any offers strengthens the need for caution in accepting these claims at face value without further independent verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sanjay Raut and what is his role in Shiv Sena (UBT)?
Sanjay Raut is a prominent leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party and a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). He is known for his strong statements and active role in party affairs and political commentary.
What are the main allegations made by Sanjay Raut?
Sanjay Raut alleges that rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have been offered and have received an additional ₹10 crore each, and that they have been moved to a safe location in Rajasthan. He also referred to them as 'traitors' and threatened 'Operation Tudwa' against them.
How many Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are involved in this controversy?
Six out of the nine Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction have reportedly skipped a crucial party meeting, leading to speculation of defection. These six MPs are Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav, and Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure.