Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, who has allied with the Eknath Shinde-led faction, stated that approximately 50 corporators have approached him, expressing an intention to switch parties. This revelation was made during an interview with ANI on June 23 in Yavatmal, Maharashtra. Deshmukh refuted claims made by fellow Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut regarding alleged financial inducements for the switch, insisting that development concerns were primarily driving the transition.

Denying allegations of pressure from central agencies, Deshmukh highlighted that the switching MPs were motivated by stalled projects within their constituencies. He emphasised that many initiatives had been delayed due to a lack of financial resources, which was adversely impacting the local population.

In his remarks, Deshmukh pointed out specific projects, such as the Shakuntala broad gauge railway line, that have faced repeated delays. He described the dire situation in his constituency, citing cases of farmer suicides and expressing concern over public dissatisfaction with the lack of progress on vital development initiatives.

Induction of MPs into Shinde’s Shiv Sena

On Monday, Deshmukh, alongside five other MPs—Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav, Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure, Omprakash Bhupalsingh Nimbalkar, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar—was officially inducted into the Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena. The ceremony took place in the presence of Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Sanjay Raut had previously made allegations that these six MPs were bribed with Rs 85 crore to switch their allegiance. In a social media post, he questioned the morality of such transactions, suggesting it involved misappropriating public wealth and raised concerns over the financing of private travel arrangements.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske suggested that three remaining MPs from the UBT faction currently in the Lok Sabha may also decide to join forces with Shinde’s camp. He attributed the rising inclination towards Shinde’s faction to the hard work and leadership demonstrated by the Deputy Chief Minister.

Frustration Among Party Workers

Mhaske was critical of Sanjay Raut’s influence within the party, asserting that discontent has grown among party workers and office bearers due to what he described as Raut’s detrimental approach. He claimed that the frustrations stemmed from a lack of effective support for the elected representatives from the UBT faction.

According to Mhaske, if elected officials do not receive adequate backing from their party, they are likely to consider alternative options. He expressed confidence that more members from the UBT faction would eventually switch to Shinde’s alliance, citing the noticeable decline of the UBT faction.

With the recent developments and the shifting loyalties among MPs, the political landscape in Maharashtra is seeing significant changes. The ongoing discourse around party dynamics indicates a growing trend of discontent that may continue to reshape affiliations within regional political organisations.

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