Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi strongly disassociated herself from the controversial remarks made by party leader Sanjay Raut, stating that she does not support such language. She further alleged that the original party had been broken and its name and symbol were handed over to Eknath Shinde. She added that the legal battle is still ongoing before the Supreme Court. She accused the opposing side of attempting another split and said that what Eknath Shinde calls “Operation Tiger” should instead be termed “Operation Betrayal.” She asserted that voters had elected Members of Parliament in the name of Uddhav Thackeray and demanded that those accused of switching sides resign, contest fresh elections, and prove their mandate under the Shinde faction’s symbol.
In response, Sanjay Raut defended his remarks, stating that he did not support abusive language but justified its usage in context. He said that such expressions are common in Marathi discourse and claimed that appropriate language must be used so that the opponent understands the message. He further alleged that he knows when and how to speak and insisted that he had not used such language inside Parliament. He also questioned the loyalty of individuals, alleging that someone who leaves a party after receiving substantial money cannot be treated with respect.
According to media reports citing sources, six rebel Members of Parliament met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and it is being claimed that their support documentation has been accepted. These MPs are reportedly planning to form an independent group and may later extend support to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
Amid escalating tensions, Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a formal whip directing its Members of Parliament to attend an important meeting scheduled in New Delhi. Party sources indicated that disciplinary and disqualification proceedings could be initiated against MPs who fail to comply with the directive.
Sanjay Raut also posted sharp remarks on social media, alleging that money had been used to influence political allegiance. He claimed that the minimum support price for MPs had been fixed at fifty crore rupees, with an advance payment of fifteen crore rupees. He further remarked that certain individuals were not even worth a fraction of that amount and accused rival factions of inflating their political value due to party branding. He also alleged that the ruling establishment of the past twelve years derives its strength not from political merit but from investigative agencies, specifically the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation.
He further alleged that a chartered aircraft landed at Nanded airport and transported MPs under a coordinated political operation, describing it as part of a larger strategy to shift loyalties. He also stated that every development would be accounted for in the future.
Political speculation has intensified regarding MP Sanjay Jadhav from Parbhani, with reports suggesting he may switch allegiance to the Eknath Shinde faction. Meanwhile, other MPs, including Rajabhau Waje and Sanjay Patil, have publicly stated their support for Uddhav Thackeray, while Sanjay Dina Patil has also affirmed his continued association with the faction. Sanjay Raut has claimed that the rebel bloc does not command a two-thirds majority, while leaders from the Shinde camp have asserted that around seven MPs are in contact with them.
Reports also indicated that a planned meeting of rebel MPs in Delhi, allegedly at the residence of MP Shrikant Shinde, was postponed. Earlier claims suggested that discussions involving Eknath Shinde and several MPs were underway in the national capital, though no official confirmation has been provided regarding participation or outcomes.
The political uncertainty comes ahead of the Shiv Sena (UBT) foundation day on June 19, with fears of a potential split within the party intensifying. While some MPs are reportedly in contact with the Shinde-led faction, others have denied any defection, leaving the exact numbers unclear as both camps continue to assert competing claims of support and legitimacy.
The unfolding developments highlight a deepening internal crisis within the Shiv Sena (UBT), with legal, parliamentary, and political implications expected to escalate further as party leadership moves to enforce discipline and rival factions attempt to consolidate their positions.
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