The crisis within the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has deepened significantly after senior leader Sanjay Raut made explosive allegations against rebel lawmakers. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Raut claimed that the dissident Members of Parliament had received additional funds and were relocated to a secure location in Rajasthan.
Allegations of Monetary Inducements
Raut asserted that the rebel MPs were initially given Rs 15 crore each and later received an additional Rs 10 crore, bringing the total to Rs 25 crore per lawmaker. He further alleged that the MPs were under police protection and demanded that such security be withdrawn immediately.
Political Implications
The remarks come after six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting, fueling speculation of an imminent shift to the faction led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The development signals a potential major realignment within the state's political landscape.
Raut's allegations have intensified the power struggle within the Shiv Sena, which has been divided since Shinde's rebellion in 2022. The UBT faction, led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, now faces the prospect of losing more parliamentary representation.
