New Delhi |Amid growing speculation about a possible split within Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), senior party leader and Lok Sabha parliamentary leader Arvind Sawant has firmly dismissed reports of rebellion and defections, describing them as “mere rumors” and asserting that the party remains completely united.
Speaking to the media, Sawant stated that there is currently no division, rebellion, or formal move by any Member of Parliament (MP) to leave the party. His remarks come amid intense political discussions surrounding reports that several Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmakers could potentially align with the rival faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
“No MP Has Officially Left the Party”
Addressing the ongoing speculation, Sawant emphasized that no parliamentarian has formally communicated any intention to quit the party.
“There is no split or rebellion within Shiv Sena (UBT). These are merely rumors. No MP has officially informed the party about leaving. If any such situation arises, action will be taken strictly according to the Constitution and the Anti-Defection Law,” Sawant said.
The statement was aimed at countering reports suggesting that a significant number of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were considering joining another political camp.
Meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
Sawant revealed that he, along with senior party leaders Anil Desai and Sanjay Raut, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and submitted a formal letter regarding the issue.
According to the party, the letter requested that no claims regarding defections or factional changes be entertained without proper documentation and legal procedures.
The party also urged the Speaker not to extend any official recognition, privileges, facilities, or parliamentary benefits to any alleged dissident or breakaway group unless such claims are supported by valid constitutional and legal requirements.
Questions Raised Over Defection Reports
Criticizing media reports about a possible split, Sawant questioned the basis of the claims.
“Who are these four or six MPs being talked about? Nobody seems to know. There is a lot of speculation, but no facts have emerged so far,” he said.
The remarks reflect the party’s attempt to project stability and prevent uncertainty among party workers and supporters.
Parliamentary Meeting Scheduled Amid Political Speculation
To reinforce party unity, Shiv Sena (UBT) has convened a Parliamentary Party Meeting scheduled for June 18 at 11:00 AM.
According to party leaders, all MPs have been issued a whip, requiring their attendance at the meeting.
The gathering is expected to serve as an important platform for reviewing the current political situation and addressing concerns arising from recent reports of possible defections.
Letter Sent on Uddhav Thackeray’s Instructions
Party sources indicated that the letter submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker was prepared under the guidance of party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
The communication reportedly highlights that Shiv Sena (UBT) remains a recognized political party and references legal matters currently pending before the Supreme Court of India concerning party-related disputes.
Party officials maintain that any attempt to claim a split or merger without following constitutional procedures would be legally unsustainable.
‘Operation Tiger’ Speculation Fuels Political Debate
Over the past several days, political circles in Maharashtra have been buzzing with reports of a possible operation allegedly aimed at engineering defections from Shiv Sena (UBT).
The speculation, informally referred to as “Operation Tiger,” suggested that six out of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs could merge with the Shinde-led faction.
However, no official confirmation has emerged regarding such a move.
Several Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Sanjay Raut, have alleged that lawmakers were being offered substantial financial incentives ranging from ₹15 crore to ₹50 crore to switch loyalties. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Leadership Projects Message of Unity
In an effort to dispel rumors, senior leaders Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Sanjay Raut jointly addressed a press conference and reiterated that the party remains united.
They emphasized that organizational discipline remains intact and that all elected representatives are expected to abide by party decisions.
The leadership expressed confidence that the upcoming parliamentary meeting would further demonstrate the party’s cohesion and put an end to speculation surrounding potential defections.
Political Significance
The developments are being closely watched because Shiv Sena (UBT) remains a key player in Maharashtra’s opposition politics. Any significant shift in parliamentary strength could have broader implications for political alignments both within the state and at the national level.
For now, however, party leaders insist that reports of a split are unfounded and that Shiv Sena (UBT) continues to function as a united political organization under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray.
As political observers await the outcome of Thursday’s parliamentary meeting, all eyes remain on whether the speculation surrounding defections materializes or fades as another chapter in Maharashtra’s ever-evolving political landscape.