A fresh political crisis has gripped the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), with reports suggesting that several party MPs are considering a split, raising concerns about the party’s strength ahead of key political battles in Maharashtra.
The turmoil intensified on Wednesday after senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that efforts were being made to lure MPs away from the party. In a dramatic statement, Raut alleged that rebel lawmakers were being offered as much as ₹15 crore each to switch sides. He said the money would be paid “tonight”, accusing political rivals of attempting to weaken the party through inducements.
The remarks came amid speculation that a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could align with the faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who split the original Shiv Sena in 2022. While the exact number of MPs involved remains unclear, the reports have triggered intense political activity in Mumbai and Delhi.
Adding to the controversy, a video of Raut making sharp remarks against the rebel MPs surfaced on social media, drawing criticism from opponents. The outspoken Rajya Sabha MP, however, remained defiant and accused defectors of betraying the party and the mandate of voters.
The developments have put the spotlight back on the continuing battle for control of the Shiv Sena’s political legacy. For Uddhav Thackeray, the latest rebellion poses another challenge after the party suffered a major split four years ago and subsequently lost its name and symbol following legal and electoral rulings.
Party leaders have been reaching out to MPs in an effort to prevent further defections, while supporters expressed concern over the growing uncertainty within the organisation.
As political negotiations continue behind closed doors, all eyes are on whether the alleged rebellion materialises into a formal split. The coming days could prove crucial for the future of Shiv Sena (UBT) and its position in Maharashtra’s rapidly evolving political landscape.
