Mumbai:
Several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have been unhappy with party boss Uddhav Thackeray‘s leadership for some time, sources told NDTV Wednesday morning, shortly after news broke of a sensational second split in four years.
Sources said the MPs felt Thackeray did not visit their constituencies despite repeated requests and as they were facing political challenges. They were also unhappy over the lack of meetings and felt their concerns were not addressed.
Sources further claimed several MPs were even unable to meet Thackeray’s son, Aaditya Thackeray, despite seeking appointments on multiple occasions. And finally, they also alleged lack of financial support from the party during a local body election. The MPs are said to have repeatedly sought funds and organisational backing for local electoral battles.
Uddhav Thackeray and other senior party leaders are making personal efforts to persuade the MPs but the rebel leaders have switched off their phones, fuelling speculation of a big rift. Sources said there is talk six MPs – Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Sanjay Jadhav – are in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led Sena faction.
Sources further said the six are scheduled to meet at the Delhi residence of Shrikant Shinde – Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s son. Both Shindes will be present.
Sources added that followed by the meeting, these MPs are likely to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The MPs will first complete the process of forming a separate faction within the Lok Sabha, after which this faction will be merged into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Eknath Shinde led the June 2022 Sena rebellion that caused the then-ruling Maha Vikas Aghadi government, led by Uddhav Thackeray, to fall. The BJP returned to power with Shinde’s support.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has downplayed suggestions of an “Operation Tiger” by the ruling Shiv Sena to poach its MPs. The tiger was the mascot of the undivided Shiv Sena, drawn by founder Bal Thackeray.
