The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) is convening a crucial meeting of its Members of Parliament (MPs) today in Delhi. This gathering follows intense speculation regarding a potential new split within the party. Reports suggest that a faction of rebel lawmakers is considering aligning with Eknath Shinde’s faction of the Shiv Sena.

The urgency of this assembly comes a day after it was claimed that the rebel group had garnered the backing of six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs. They have reportedly communicated with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, escalating the political turmoil in Maharashtra. In an effort to avert a repeat of the 2022 Shinde rebellion, the Uddhav camp has issued a three-line whip mandating all nine MPs to attend the meeting.

Party leaders have indicated that disciplinary measures may be initiated against any member who does not attend. The outcome of this meeting could significantly influence Uddhav Thackeray’s control over his parliamentary members, occurring four years after the Shinde rebellion, which led to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.

Rebel MPs Allegedly Seek Support

This development coincides with reports of a carefully orchestrated “Operation Tiger” allegedly overseen by Eknath Shinde during his time in Delhi. Despite returning to Mumbai, Shinde has opted for silence regarding the ongoing developments. Sources have indicated that the operation was executed smoothly, although the official induction of the MPs is being delayed to allow for legal and technical scrutiny.

Immediate public announcements are not planned, as the party wishes to closely observe Uddhav Sena’s legal strategy before proceeding. A formal declaration regarding any potential crossover is anticipated around 20 or 21 June, according to these same sources. Meanwhile, the six MPs are reportedly being kept out of the public eye until the legal arrangements are finalised.

Party Leaders Respond to Allegations of Defection

The situation has prompted leaders from Sena (UBT), including Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant, and Anil Desai, to meet with Speaker Om Birla. They submitted a representation urging him to refrain from recognising any “unlawful” defections. Desai articulated that even if a faction possesses support from two-thirds of MPs, the legal provisions still favour the original organisational structure of the party.

Raut noted that the party had not received any formal notifications from MPs intending to switch allegiances, but acknowledged that several lawmakers had become unreachable. He expressed hope that clarity would emerge following Thursday’s meeting. The gravity of the situation was evident during Raut’s press conference in Delhi on Wednesday, where several MPs were notably absent.

As a result of the ongoing political drama, accusations of horse-trading have surfaced, with Raut alleging that some MPs are being enticed with substantial financial offers. He stated that an “important person” informed him of attempts to persuade lawmakers, including claims of a sum of Rs 50 crore being offered, along with immediate financial inducements for those willing to switch sides. Raut further alleged that threats were being used against certain members to coerce them into alignment with the rival faction.

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