Only three of nine Lok Sabha MPs turned up for a crucial Delhi meeting, fuelling rumours of a quiet exodus toward the Shinde camp, even as Sanjay Raut alleges crore-rupee inducements behind the desertions
Shiv Sena (UBT) is set to issue show-cause notices to six Lok Sabha MPs who skipped a key party meeting in Delhi on June 18, with possible disqualification proceedings on the table. Just three of the faction’s nine MPs attended, deepening speculation of an internal rift.
The Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena claims six of these MPs have already signed a letter seeking to form a breakaway group, eventually merging with their faction. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut hit back sharply, accusing rivals of offering MPs up to ₹50 crore, with ₹15 crore reportedly paid upfront, to defect. He insisted any MP wishing to leave should resign first and seek a fresh public mandate. The episode follows a similar shake-up in West Bengal, where 20 rebel TMC MPs proposed merging with a lesser-known outfit to back the NDA.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders in Uttar Pradesh claimed a parallel crisis brewing in the Samajwadi Party, a charge Akhilesh Yadav firmly denied, asserting his party remains united despite the turbulence.
About The Author
