A fresh buzz has started in Maharashtra about a split in the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray. There are reports of some MPs not attending meetings, which is causing speculation about another change in the states politics.
The controversy is happening as politics is heating up in India and opposition parties are closely watching what is happening within regional groups.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Under Pressure
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha. According to Indias -defection law at least six MPs need to leave together for a legal split.
This number is now the focus of the speculation.
Some reports say that least two MPs did not attend a recent meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray at his residence Matoshree.This has led to rumors of disagreements within the party.
But Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders are strongly denying any split saying all MPs are united.
Attendance at a Key Meeting
In the meeting four MPs were there in person while five joined online.Senior leaders like Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waze and Sanjay Patil were present.
Other MPs like Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar and Sanjay Deshmukh joined virtually.
A party leader, Sanjay Raut said the meeting was about unity and strengthening the organisation.
Defection Rumors and Meetings
Tensions increased after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh met Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav, who's from the rival Shinde faction.
This meeting happened after some statements suggested that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs might switch sides.
There are also reports of discussions around "Operation Tiger," which's allegedly about attracting opposition MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led faction and the ruling alliance.
The Shinde-led Shiv Sena camp has not officially confirmed this operation. Has welcomed leaders who support its ideology.
"Doors Open" Statement
A big statement added heat when Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik said the partys doors are open to anyone who supports Eknath Shindes leadership.
He said MPs and MLAs who trust Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology and Shinde’s leadership are welcome to join.
This statement has intensified speculation about defections within Shiv Sena (UBT).
Shiv Sena (UBT) Denies Split Rumors
Despite the growing buzz Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders say there is no crisis.They claim all MPs are loyal to Uddhav Thackeray and that rumors are politically motivated.
Party leaders say recent meetings with politicians are being misinterpreted.
Rising Tension in Maharashtra Politics
With repeated meetings, between lawmakers and rival leaders speculation continues to grow.However no official defection has been confirmed far.Observers believe the situation is fluid and could develop further.