NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, June 18, 2026 : A major political crisis appears to be unfolding within the Shiv Sena (UBT) as senior party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday made explosive allegations against rebel Members of Parliament, claiming they were offered substantial financial inducements and shifted to a secure location in Rajasthan amid growing speculation of a split in the party’s parliamentary ranks.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Raut alleged that six dissident MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have been provided an additional ₹10 crore each after allegedly receiving ₹15 crore earlier. He further claimed that the lawmakers had been moved from Delhi to a safe location in Rajasthan and were being provided police protection.
Raut Alleges Financial Incentives Behind Defection Move
According to Raut, the rebel MPs have been influenced through monetary offers and political assurances aimed at weakening the Shiv Sena (UBT).
He alleged that substantial financial incentives were being used to encourage elected representatives to switch political allegiance. Raut had earlier claimed that some MPs were being offered as much as ₹50 crore to join rival political camps.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader demanded that any police protection extended to the rebel MPs and their properties be withdrawn immediately.
Demand For Resignations And Fresh Mandate
Taking a strong stand against the dissident lawmakers, Raut asserted that if they choose to leave the party, they should resign from their parliamentary positions and seek a fresh mandate from voters.
He argued that the victory of these MPs was the result of years of hard work by Shiv Sena (UBT) workers and supporters, and therefore any shift in loyalty should be accompanied by a resignation and re-election.
“If they have any morality left, they should resign and face the people again,” Raut said during the press interaction.
Six MPs Skip Parliamentary Party Meeting
The political developments gained momentum earlier in the day when six out of nine Lok Sabha MPs belonging to Shiv Sena (UBT) skipped a crucial parliamentary party meeting, triggering fresh speculation about an imminent split.
The MPs who attended the meeting included:
- Arvind Sawant
- Anil Desai
- Rajabhau Waje
- Sanjay Raut (Rajya Sabha)
However, the absence of six Lok Sabha MPs raised serious concerns within the party leadership.
The MPs who skipped the meeting were:
- Nagesh Aashtikar
- Sanjay Deshmukh
- Sanjay Jadhav
- Sanjay Dina Patil
- Omprakash Rajenimbalkar
- Bhausaheb Wakchaure
Political observers view the coordinated absence as a strong indication that a formal crossover to the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde could be imminent.
Show-Cause Notices Likely
Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant indicated that the party is preparing to issue show-cause notices to the absent MPs for failing to attend the parliamentary party meeting.
Raut also maintained that their absence would be treated as a violation of the party whip and could invite disciplinary action.
Political Uncertainty Deepens In Maharashtra
The latest developments have intensified political uncertainty within Maharashtra’s opposition camp and could significantly impact the balance of power within Shiv Sena’s parliamentary structure.
The crisis comes at a time when the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction is attempting to strengthen its organizational presence ahead of future political challenges, while the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena continues to expand its influence within the state and at the national level.
Political analysts believe the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the ongoing rebellion results in a formal split within the party’s parliamentary wing.
