Uddhav Thackeray gets big relief as two Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs deny joining Shinde camp

Uddhav Thackeray has received a relief after two Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs denied reports that they were planning to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Their statements have eased fears of a possible split in the party.

There were reports that Nashik MP Rajabhau Vaje and MP Sanjay Patil would meet Shrikant Shinde, son of Eknath Shinde, in Delhi before switching sides. However, sources said no such meeting took place. It was also reported that Shrikant Shinde was not in Delhi and was in Mahabaleshwar.

Rajabhau Vaje clarified that he had come to Delhi only to attend a parliamentary committee meeting. He said he would continue to stay with Uddhav Thackeray and had no plans to leave the party.

Sanjay Patil also dismissed the rumours. Speaking from Mumbai, he said he had nothing to do with Eknath Shinde and would attend the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi.

Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs. Under the anti-defection law, at least seven MPs are needed to split from the party without facing disqualification. Party leader Sanjay Raut said the rebels do not have the required numbers, making any attempt to break the party unsuccessful. The party has also written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla over the issue.

Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut alleged that some MPs were being offered ₹15 crore each to switch parties. The BJP rejected the allegation. BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule said the party had no role in the matter and that Uddhav Thackeray should instead look into the reasons behind the unrest within his own party.