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Amidst intense political maneuvering, Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership has leveled serious allegations of bribery and coercion, signaling a critical juncture for the party's parliamentary unity.
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party is grappling with a severe internal crisis as rumors persist that six of its Members of Parliament may defect. In response to this escalating tension, the party has scheduled a crucial parliamentary board meeting for June 18, 2026, while simultaneously submitting formal correspondence to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This legal maneuvering aims to secure exclusive recognition for the party's authorized faction within Parliament, underscoring the leadership's determination to maintain control during this turbulent period.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted during a press conference in New Delhi on June 17, 2026, where senior party leaders addressed the media regarding the swirling speculation. Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant, and Anil Desai were present to counter the growing narrative that the party is fragmenting. While the party acknowledges the intensity of the rumors, they admitted to having no confirmed information regarding the current location or specific intentions of the MPs at the center of these controversies. This lack of concrete data adds a layer of uncertainty to the party's public stance, even as they aggressively push back against the allegations.
The term Operation Tiger has become the focal point of these allegations, representing what the leadership perceives as a coordinated effort to destabilize their parliamentary strength. At the press conference, Sanjay Raut made startling claims, asserting that Maharashtra’s MPs are being offered ₹50 crore to switch allegiance. He specifically alleged that certain leaders only agreed to board a plane after receiving ₹15 crore. "For now, we are all together, rest I don’t know," Raut stated, highlighting the fractured nature of the party's current reality. He further noted that these leaders were accompanied to Delhi by other Shiv Sena figures, suggesting a broader network of influence at play.
Raut emphasized the moral and electoral mandate of the MPs in question, reminding the public that they were elected on the face of the undivided Shiv Sena founder, Bal Thackeray, and through the hard work of Uddhav Thackeray. He drew parallels to similar political maneuvers in Bengal, warning against the futility of fighting elections if such internal betrayals continue. "This time Maharashtra’s people won’t spare the traitors," he declared, signaling that voter sentiment will be a critical factor in the aftermath of any potential splits.
The six MPs reportedly targeted are Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, and Omraje Nimbalkar. Their absence from a recent meeting at Uddhav Thackeray’s residence fueled the rumors. To prevent a repeat of the chaotic split in 2022, MPs Anil Desai and Arvind Sawant emphasized that they are being cautious and pursuing legal avenues to protect the party's interests. Sawant highlighted a letter he submitted to Speaker Om Birla, which argues that the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) remains a single political entity under the law. The letter insists that the constitutional framework does not allow for multiple competing factions claiming to represent the same party within the House.
Sawant cited the Constitution (Ninety-first Amendment) Act, 2003, which abolished the split provision, noting that the Constitution only recognizes merger as a valid exception to disqualification under the Tenth Schedule. This legal argument is central to the party's strategy to deny any rebel group recognition, privileges, or facilities. By appealing to the Speaker not to recognize any separate identity, the leadership is attempting to use constitutional mechanisms to stifle dissent before it gains traction.
Beyond financial incentives, Raut alleged that psychological pressure and legal threats are being used to coerce MPs into resigning. He cited the case of MP Om Raje Nimbalkar, whose father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar, is involved in a murder case trial. The court had heard the case on June 16 and ordered a judgment on June 20. Raut claimed that Nimbalkar was pressured with the line, "if you need a decision in your favour, then sign and come with us," and that the verdict date was artificially pushed forward to facilitate this pressure. This allegation shifts the narrative from mere bribery to active intimidation.
On social media platform X, Raut provided further details, alleging that two MPs were flown to Delhi from Nanded on a chartered aircraft. He mocked the transformation of these leaders from individuals who could not afford rickshaws to those flying private jets, attributing this change to the inflated worth given to them by Thackeray's name. He termed this behavior the "escape of cowardly foxes" and vowed that every detail would be accounted for. He also tagged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, implying state-level involvement in the scheme to buy MPs.
The party leadership is now relying on a combination of legal action, public shaming, and constitutional arguments to retain its parliamentary strength. Bhaskar Jadhav, another leader, urged calm, stating, "These days will too pass," and emphasized the need for decisive action to improve the situation. The coming days, particularly around the parliamentary board meeting and the court verdict in Nimbalkar's father's case, will be critical in determining whether the alleged "Operation Tiger" succeeds or if the Shiv Sena (UBT) can hold its line against the alleged ₹50 crore buyout offer.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) currently faces a pivotal moment where constitutional legitimacy clashes with alleged financial inducements and legal threats. If the six MPs in question defect, the party may lose significant ground in the Lok Sabha, necessitating a re-evaluation of its political strategy and alliance structures. The legal battle with the Speaker and the ongoing court cases will likely set precedents for future intra-party disputes, potentially influencing voter behavior in upcoming elections if the party fails to maintain unity.
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