Six MPs of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction skipped a mandatory parliamentary party meeting in Delhi, despite a whip issued by the party’s Lok Sabha chief whip Arvind Sawant. The absence has intensified speculation of another split within the party.
Reports in recent days have suggested that the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is attempting to draw Uddhav Sena legislators and MPs to its side under what is being described as “Operation Tiger”, triggering fresh political churn in Maharashtra.
Ahead of the Delhi meeting, a recent consultation chaired by Uddhav Thackeray also saw six of the nine MPs stay away, while 16 MLAs were reportedly unreachable. Sanjay Raut alleged that inducements were being offered and that some leaders were moved to Delhi from undisclosed locations.
Sawant had warned that MPs who boycott the meeting could face action under anti-defection provisions. However, only Arvind Sawant, Rajubhai Vaje and Anil Desai attended, while six MPs remained absent.
Reacting to the development, Raut said notices would be issued seeking explanations and that steps would be taken to seek disqualification. He also alleged “dirty politics” by the BJP in Maharashtra and demanded proof of reports that the six MPs met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Separately, reports said the absent MPs told the Speaker that Uddhav’s camp was planning to align with the Congress, prompting them to consider leaving, and sought separate seating in the Lok Sabha. They also alleged that Thackeray did not support them during elections and repeatedly ignored requests to visit their constituencies.
