Shiv Sena (UBT) Split Buzz Gets Louder As 6 Of Its 9 Lok Sabha Mps Skip Party Meet

Shiv Sena (UBT) Tensions Rise as Six MPs Skip Key Meeting

In a significant stir within the Shiv Sena (UBT), six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs opted out of a crucial party meeting, spurring speculation about a potential split. To legally form a new faction or merge with another party, a minimum of two-thirds of the MPs is required under anti-defection laws. The absentees included 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, weighed in on the situation, stating,

“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 party from the turmoil, asserting that the MPs' departure stemmed from internal issues within the UBT.

In response to the absences, Shiv Sena (UBT) plans to issue notices to the six MPs, demanding explanations. Following the meeting, Sanjay Raut emphasized the seriousness of the situation, declaring,

“They (MPs) 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.”

He asserted that these MPs, who were elected under the party’s banner, could face legal repercussions for defying the party whip.

Raut had previously hinted at strict measures against party defectors, asserting,

“They feel that they have done this once. I would tell them, do it and show it to us. If we don’t break you, we won’t use our father’s name.”

He also alleged that Maharashtra MPs are being lured with offers as high as Rs 50 crore, amid claims of pressure tactics involving a long-standing murder case against Nimbalkar's father.

In a press conference alongside Arvind Sawant, Raut mentioned that Uddhav Thackeray and NCP leader Sharad Pawar had urged him to take decisive action against the MPs. Sawant even recalled that the late Bal Thackeray had suggested harsh measures against those who switched allegiances, underscoring the deepening rift within the party.