New Delhi, June 18: Speculations of a potential rift within the Shiv Sena (UBT) have surfaced in Maharashtra. Amid these concerns, party leaders Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant held a joint press conference, issuing a stern warning to defectors.
Both leaders emphasized that the party will not tolerate any form of betrayal. They stated that any individual attempting to divide the party would face severe legal consequences.
This press conference was convened at the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary office in New Delhi, prior to a crucial meeting of the parliamentary party. The meeting is considered significant in political circles.
Lok Sabha member Arvind Sawant announced that a three-line whip has been issued by the party. This whip has been dispatched to the residences of all MPs. For those who did not receive it at home, it was sent via email or WhatsApp. The whip elaborates on legal compliance. Sawant also clarified the purpose of the parliamentary meeting, which is to ensure the presence of MPs and communicate parliamentary orders.
Additionally, Sanjay Raut criticized opposition parties regarding rumors of mass defections within the Shiv Sena (UBT). He remarked that, despite the current count of nine MPs in their faction, he believes this number could rise to fifteen today.
Raut revealed that party chief Uddhav Thackeray has called for a review of the current situation. He made it clear how the party plans to navigate this political crisis. Furthermore, Sharad Pawar, leader of the NCP (SP), has expressed his support for Uddhav Thackeray.
According to Raut, Pawar has agreed to facilitate political rallies for all rebel MPs in their respective constituencies. This struggle will be fought collectively by the Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes Shiv Sena (UBT), NCP (Sharad faction), and Congress.
During the press conference, both leaders leveled serious allegations against Eknath Shinde and the BJP. They claimed that the BJP is currently misusing agencies like the CBI and ED to undermine democracy. Arvind Sawant referenced the iconic words of Balasaheb Thackeray, stating that if any faults are found with MPs or MLAs in the future, they should face the law without hesitation. He urged all MPs and MLAs to take to the streets and confront this challenge, emphasizing that this is the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray, which cannot be compromised.
Sanjay Raut challenged the ruling coalition, questioning who they think they are to intimidate them using the ED and CBI. He stated, “We have faced imprisonment before and are ready to do so again, but this time we will teach you a lesson before you go to jail.” He reiterated that attempts to break their party will not go unanswered, asserting their loyalty to Shiv Sena, founded by Balasaheb Thackeray.
Raut also criticized the Shinde faction, likening them to brokers in Mumbai’s red-light district, commonly referred to as “Golpitha” in Maharashtra. He further accused the BJP of attempting to dismantle India’s democratic framework.
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