Speculation Grows as Six Uddhav Sena MPs Miss Key Party Meeting Amid Defection Rumors

In a surprising turn of events, six out of the nine Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction) chose to absent themselves from a crucial parliamentary party meeting held on Thursday. This has raised eyebrows and fueled speculations that these members might be contemplating a shift towards the rival faction led by Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde.

The absent MPs included Nagesh Aashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure. Their decision to skip the meeting came despite a party directive, or whip, mandating their attendance. The remaining three Lok Sabha MPs, alongside the party’s sole Rajya Sabha representative, Sanjay Raut, were present at the meeting.

Sanjay Raut, a prominent figure within the Uddhav Sena, expressed his discontent regarding the absentees. He stated that those who missed the meeting would be issued show cause notices, compelling them to explain their absence. Raut further emphasized that if they fail to respond within a week, disciplinary action could follow. “The absent MPs have betrayed the party,” he remarked, reinforcing the serious implications of their decision.

The backdrop to this situation is steeped in political maneuvering, as the Uddhav faction alleges that some MPs have been lured with offers as hefty as ₹15 crore each to join Shinde’s camp. This assertion has intensified the atmosphere of uncertainty, particularly given the ongoing power struggle within the Shiv Sena.

Raut’s remarks serve as a stark reminder of the loyalty expected from party members, asserting that the absent MPs were elected under the party’s name and symbol. The threat of legal repercussions looms, as he cautioned that violating the party whip could lead to severe consequences. As the political landscape in Maharashtra continues to evolve, the implications of this meeting and the subsequent actions taken by the Uddhav Sena will be pivotal in determining the future of the party and its members.

Source: scroll.in