English
English
English
Shiv Sena (UBT) party spokesperson Sanjay Raut
New Delhi: Amid reports of unrest within Shiv Sena (UBT), party spokesperson Sanjay Raut on Wednesday issued a stern warning to rebel MPs, declaring that any act of disloyalty against the party would not be tolerated. He also alleged that a large-scale horse-trading operation was underway in Maharashtra to engineer a split in the party.
Addressing a press conference, Raut said, "We will not spare anyone who engages in treachery. Whoever wants to leave should first resign and then go. Shiv Sena is our mother, and betrayal of the party will not be forgiven."
Raut claimed that some leaders had taken oaths in the name of Sai Baba and their mothers before allegedly changing sides. He asserted that the people of Maharashtra would hold such leaders accountable.
Alleges Rs 15 Crore Offered to MPs
Referring to what he described as "Operation Tiger," Raut alleged that attempts were being made to break Shiv Sena (UBT) by offering money to its MPs.
"I have information that each MP was paid Rs 15 crore. After that, they were flown on chartered aircraft from locations including Nanded and Pune," he claimed.
The Rajya Sabha MP further accused the BJP of trying to weaken the party through political inducements, saying, "The BJP is trying to break Shiv Sena."
Whip Issued Ahead of Parliamentary Party Meeting
Raut announced that a parliamentary party meeting has been convened for 11 a.m. on Thursday and said a whip has been issued to all party MPs.
"As of now, we are united and have one leader," he said.
Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai were also present at the press conference. Raut added that Sawant has written to the Lok Sabha Speaker regarding the developments.
The allegations come amid speculation of a possible split within Shiv Sena (UBT), although no official confirmation of any rebellion has emerged so far.
