Amid Sena (UBT) split fears, BJP denies role in triggering defections

Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule denied BJP's role in potential Shiv Sena (UBT) defections, stating it's an internal matter for Uddhav Thackeray. His comments came amid speculation of UBT MPs joining the Eknath Shinde faction.

Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday rejected the allegations that BJP was involved in triggering defections within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), saying that the party has no connection with this.

"BJP has no relation with where Uddhav Thackeray's MPs go. Uddhav Thackeray should know why his MPs or MLAs are leaving him. If they are going to Eknath Shinde, then it is a matter related to him. Neither our CM nor any of our leaders have any connection with this. Why should the BJP be dragged into this?," the senior BJP leader said.

BJP Denies 'Cash for Defection' Allegations

His remarks came amid the growing speculation that a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could break away and form a separate group. Speaking on the Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut's allegations that the BJP was offering money to MPs to switch sides, Bawankule asserted that his party has no connection with this matter.

"I think such allegations should not be made against MPs and MLAs. It is not right to allege that an MP or MLA changes his or her stand for money. It should be probed why any MLA or MP leaves. BJP has no connection with this," Maharashtra Minister told reporters in Nagpur.

Raut on Tuesday alleged that the party MPs in Maharashtra are being offered up to Rs 15 crore each to switch sides and join the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led faction. "Apna Sapna Money Money! It's shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered Rs 15 crore each tonight to switch sides," Raut said in a post on X.

'Operation Tiger' and Past Splits

Maharashtra is currently witnessing "Operation Tiger" buzz amid speculation that seven of the nine UBT MPs were in touch with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and are looking to join the ruling party. Back in 2022, Shinde, along with several MLAs, broke away from Uddhav Thackeray, splitting the party into two. (ANI)

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