Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Mumbai, Jun 19: The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) faced a major setback on its 60th foundation day as six Lok Sabha MPs aligned themselves with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction, triggering another significant split within the party.

A day after the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack on the dissident lawmakers, alleging that financial deals and promises of future rewards were used to secure their support.

Refusing to describe the development as a political split, Raut claimed the MPs had effectively “sold themselves” rather than leaving over ideological differences.

“I do not consider this a split. A split happens when people part ways over ideology. When individuals put themselves up for sale and someone purchases them, it is political trading,” he said.

The six MPs at the centre of the controversy are Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Omprakash Rajenimbalkar. They reportedly skipped an important parliamentary meeting in New Delhi despite the party issuing a three-line whip.

Raut alleged that internal disagreements had emerged among the rebel MPs over the allocation of potential ministerial positions in the Union government.

According to him, a late-night compromise was reached to settle the dispute, and additional financial assurances were allegedly offered to prevent any public discord among the lawmakers.

He further claimed that the MPs were currently avoiding public appearances and were moving under heavy police protection.

Questioning the need for such security arrangements, Raut asked why state resources were being used to protect “traitors” while crimes against women remained a serious concern.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also targeted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and indirectly criticised Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan.

Using the phrase “Jamner chi Mavshi” (the aunt from Jamner), Raut mocked BJP leaders for claiming that the MPs left because of Uddhav Thackeray’s alliance with the Congress.

He pointed out that the six MPs had contested and won their elections under the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, which included Congress support.

“If Congress was unacceptable, why did they accept its support during the elections?” he asked.

Raut also challenged the BJP’s nationalist credentials and claimed that if central investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were removed from the political equation for even half an hour, the BJP in Maharashtra would fragment into several factions.

As both the Thackeray and Shinde camps held separate events to commemorate Shiv Sena’s foundation day, the Uddhav faction initiated disciplinary proceedings against the six MPs.

The party has issued show-cause notices and is seeking action to revoke their parliamentary membership.

Raut concluded by urging the rebel MPs to resign and seek a fresh mandate from voters.

“If you still have any sense of morality, resign from your positions. You were elected on our party symbol because of the efforts of Uddhav Thackeray and thousands of party workers. Now show the courage to face the people again,” he said.