Sanjay Raut Alleges Rs 15 Crore Being Paid To Lure Shiv Sena MPs Away

Fresh political uncertainty has emerged within the Shiv Sena (UBT) as reports of a possible split among the party's Members of Parliament gained momentum on Tuesday. Amid speculation that several MPs could switch allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, Rajya Sabha MP and senior Uddhav Thackeray loyalist Sanjay Raut alleged that attempts were being made to lure lawmakers with large sums of money. The developments have triggered intense political activity in both Delhi and Maharashtra.

Raut made a sensational allegation on social media, claiming that an advance payment of Rs 15 crore was being offered individually to MPs in an effort to engineer defections. While describing the information as shocking and disturbing, he maintained that there was no immediate threat to the party's stability. Speaking to the media, Raut expressed confidence that the alleged rebels would not be able to secure the numbers required to form a separate group and insisted that Uddhav Thackeray's supporters remained committed to the party's ideology.

According to political sources, at least six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are reportedly in contact with the Eknath Shinde-led faction. The names being discussed include Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Sanjay Jadhav, while Rajabhau Waje is also being linked to the developments. Reports suggest that the MPs may seek recognition as a separate parliamentary group before eventually merging with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

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As speculation intensified, Uddhav Thackeray's loyalists moved swiftly to contain the crisis. Senior leaders Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai have been stationed in New Delhi and are closely monitoring the situation. Sources indicate that Arvind Sawant has sought an appointment with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to submit a letter on behalf of the Uddhav Thackeray faction as part of efforts to safeguard the party's position in Parliament.

The controversy has been further fuelled by reports that some of the alleged rebel MPs recently met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde at the residence of his son and Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde in Delhi. While no official confirmation of a merger has been made, ruling Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik publicly stated that leaders who believe in Bal Thackeray's ideals and have faith in Eknath Shinde's leadership would be welcomed into the party and given priority.

The latest developments have revived memories of the dramatic 2022 split that reshaped Maharashtra politics, when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion that ultimately secured control of the Shiv Sena name and election symbol. The absence of several MPs from a recent meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree, along with their failure to attend a birthday event for Aaditya Thackeray, has only strengthened speculation about a fresh rebellion. As political manoeuvring continues, all eyes remain on whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) can prevent another major split within its ranks.

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