A political storm appears to be brewing within Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT), with speculation intensifying over a possible split in the party nearly four years after the dramatic rebellion led by Eknath Shinde reshaped Maharashtra politics.
Amid reports that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are in touch with the Shinde-led faction, senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Tuesday levelled explosive allegations of a large-scale poaching operation. Claiming that attempts were being made to lure MPs away from the party, he alleged that an advance payment of Rs 15 crore each was being offered to lawmakers. “To buy Maharashtra’s MPs, an advance of Rs15 crore each is being distributed. This information is shocking and disgraceful,” Raut wrote on social media, escalating the political controversy.
The allegations come at a time when the Thackeray camp is grappling with growing uncertainty over the loyalty of some of its MPs. Party sources indicated that atleast six MPs are believed to be in contact with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, fuelling speculation that another rebellion could be in the making.
Raut, however, dismissed suggestions that the party was on the verge of losing control of its parliamentary wing. He asserted that the BJP’s alleged attempts to engineer a split would not succeed and expressed confidence that the numbers required for a formal breakaway would not materialise.
The crisis deepened further on Wednesday after Raut made another sensational claim, alleging that a chartered aircraft had been arranged to ferry two Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs from Maharashtra. Taking a swipe at the dissident lawmakers, he remarked that leaders who once could not afford basic travel were now enjoying private jet rides because of the political stature they gained under the Thackeray name.
Sensing the seriousness of the situation, the Uddhav Thackeray camp has moved into damage-control mode. The party has convened a meeting of its parliamentary wing in Delhi and directed all MPs to attend. Sources indicated that disciplinary action could be initiated against those who remain absent.
At the same time, the party is exploring legal options to counter any potential rebellion. Leaders are reportedly examining whether anti-defection provisions and party discipline rules can be invoked if a breakaway group formally emerges. The speculation gained momentum after reports surfaced that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had recently met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Delhi. Sources also suggest that the rebel lawmakers may soon approach Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek recognition as a separate group before eventually aligning with the Shinde faction.
The current developments have drawn inevitable comparisons with the 2022 rebellion, when Eknath Shinde split the Shiv Sena, toppled the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and later secured control over the party’s name and symbol.
Questions over a fresh split became louder after several MPs skipped a key meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray at Matoshree earlier this week. Although the party later claimed some members participated virtually, their absence added to the perception that unrest within the organisation is growing.