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Shiv Sena (UBT) Faces Internal Turmoil as MPs Skip Key Meeting
The Shiv Sena (UBT) is grappling with escalating tensions as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs opted out of a crucial party meeting. Under the anti-defection law, a significant majority is essential for forming a breakaway faction or merging with another party. The absent MPs include Sanjay Dina Patil, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Waghchowre, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, and Nagesh Patil Ashtikar.
Sanjay Shirsat, a leader from the rival Shiv Sena faction, commented on the absence, asserting, “It became crystal clear that those six MPs don’t want to stay with the Shiv Sena (UBT). Now what decision they take needs to be seen. Whatever it is, they all fight it together.” He further distanced his group from the internal discord, claiming that the conflict stemmed from within the UBT itself.
In response to the no-shows, the Shiv Sena (UBT) is preparing to issue show-cause notices to the absent MPs, demanding explanations. Sanjay Raut, a prominent figure in the party, stated, “They will be served show cause notices, and response will be sought from them. We will look towards the cancellation of their membership. This is betrayal.” Raut condemned the Bharatiya Janata Party for undermining politics in Maharashtra and warned of legal repercussions for any violations of party loyalty.
Before the meeting commenced, Raut hinted at a firm stance against dissenters, declaring that these MPs “need to be taught a lesson.” He did not hold back in his criticism, asserting, “They feel that they have done this once. I would tell them, do it and show it to us.” Raut also alleged that Maharashtra MPs are being lured with bribes, suggesting that one MP faced intimidation related to a decades-old murder case involving his father.
During a joint press conference with Arvind Sawant, Raut revealed that both Uddhav Thackeray and NCP chief Sharad Pawar had urged him to take action against the dissenting MPs. Sawant recalled that late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had once advocated for physical repercussions against MPs and MLAs who defect. The saga continues as the UBT grapples with its internal strife and potential fallout.
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