Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Tuesday alleged that attempts were being made to lure Members of Parliament from Maharashtra with large sums of money amid speculation that a section of his party’s
Lok Sabha MPs could switch allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
In a late-night post on X, Raut claimed that an advance payment of Rs 15 crore was being offered to MPs to facilitate defections.
“Apna Sapna Money Money! It’s shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered ₹15 crore each tonight to switch sides,” Raut wrote.
The allegation comes against the backdrop of intense political speculation in Maharashtra over a possible split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).
Reports of an alleged ‘Operation Tiger’ have fuelled discussions that some of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs may be in touch with the ruling Shiv Sena faction headed by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Raut’s remarks also prompted a reaction from Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, who reposted his message and responded with a sarcastic swipe.
“Only ₹15 cr? Saste mein kyo jaa rahe hai? Believe ours got ₹4cr up front and ₹1cr a month for next 36 months of term. Honey plus Money,” Moitra wrote on X.
Responding to Moitra, Raut escalated his allegation and claimed the amount being discussed was much higher.
“No no — Mahua ji, the Minimum Support Price is fixed at ₹50 crore per MP. ₹15 crore is just the advance. Frankly, these people aren’t even worth ₹50,000. Their price has only gone up because of the Shiv Sena and TMC brand label,” he posted.
Raut’s comments added fuel to the ongoing buzz that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could break away from the party.
The speculation intensified after ruling Shiv Sena leaders indicated that leaders willing to accept the leadership of Eknath Shinde would be welcomed into the party.
Earlier on Tuesday, Raut dismissed reports suggesting that five Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were planning to form a separate faction.
Addressing reporters, he maintained that all party MPs remained committed to Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership.
“This is a lie. We have no such information. Four days ago, all these MPs took part in a meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray and expressed faith in his leadership. Of them, some of the leaders swore by their loved ones pledging support to Uddhav,” Raut said, according to ANI.
The Rajya Sabha MP also rejected claims that he was in New Delhi to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla regarding any potential split.
He asserted that all Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentarians remained united and accused the BJP of encouraging divisions in opposition parties.
Concerns within the Sena (UBT) camp grew after only four of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs attended a recent meeting called by Thackeray in person, while the others joined virtually or spoke over the phone.
The situation was further complicated after party MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Prataprao Jadhav in Delhi, triggering fresh speculation about possible defections.
Despite the rumours, Raut and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai have repeatedly insisted that all MPs continue to stand with Uddhav Thackeray.
