Shiv Sena (UBT) Alleges ₹50 Cr Poaching Bid, Meets LS Speaker

Fresh political turmoil has engulfed the Shiv Sena (UBT) as senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut publicly alleged that members of his party are being offered substantial sums, reportedly up to ₹50 crore, to defect. This alleged poaching effort has been dubbed 'Operation Tiger' within political circles, referencing the traditional symbol of the undivided Shiv Sena. Raut's claims, which include an alleged advance payment of ₹15 crore to some MPs, have intensified speculation about a potential split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. Amidst these swirling rumors, three prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs – Sanjay Raut, Anil Desai, and Arvind Sawant – took a proactive step by meeting Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in New Delhi. The purpose of their meeting with Speaker Birla was to submit a formal letter, urging him not to grant recognition to any purported breakaway faction claiming to represent the Shiv Sena (UBT) and to uphold the constitutional provisions, specifically the anti-defection law (Tenth Schedule). Anil Desai emphasized that under the law, a group cannot simply merge with another party, even with a two-thirds majority, as only the original party can merge. Raut stated that Speaker Birla assured them that he would consider all legal aspects before making any decision on such matters. Reports indicate that out of the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s nine Lok Sabha MPs, as many as six to seven are reportedly contemplating switching allegiance to the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. To avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law, at least two-thirds (or six) of the nine MPs would need to defect together to form a separate group. The political maneuvering highlights the critical threshold required for a legitimate split without incurring disqualification. Initially, there was uncertainty surrounding the whereabouts and intentions of some MPs. However, later reports clarified that some MPs, including Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waje, and Sanjay Patil, attended a party meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray, some in person and others virtually. Notably, MP Sanjay Patil later publicly denied any intention to join the rival camp, asserting his loyalty to the Thackeray faction. This denial somewhat weakened the immediate prospects of a large-scale rebellion. Sanjay Raut has consistently challenged any MPs considering defection to resign from their parliamentary seats, arguing that they were elected on the Shiv Sena (UBT)'s 'mashal' (flaming torch) symbol and owe their mandate to the party and its voters. He issued a stern warning that the people of Maharashtra would not tolerate a repeat of the 2022 split and would hold accountable those who betray the mandate. Raut also alleged that pressure was being exerted on some MPs, even linking political decisions to pending legal cases, citing the example of Dharashiv MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar. The ongoing political developments are deeply rooted in Maharashtra's complex political landscape, following the previous split within the Shiv Sena. The Eknath Shinde faction, supported by the BJP, has been attempting to strengthen its position, and these alleged defections could further impact the balance of power in the state and the Lok Sabha. Maharashtra Minister Uday Samant, from the Shinde faction, claimed that discontent among some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs stemmed from alleged neglect by the top leadership, stating that a lack of engagement from Uddhav Thackeray made them feel vulnerable. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders deny reports of a mass exodus, maintaining party unity and stating that no MP has officially informed them of their departure. The Supreme Court is still seized with the matter of determining the 'real Shiv Sena,' adding another layer of complexity to these defection rumors. Amidst this, the Shiv Sena (UBT) also convened a parliamentary board meeting on June 18 to address the situation. The episode highlights the intense political maneuvering and power struggles characterizing Indian politics, particularly concerning anti-defection laws and party splits.

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