Shiv Sena factions trade barbs after six MPs defect to Shinde camp

A war of words has erupted between the newly inducted Shiv Sena Lok Sabha members and the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership, just a day after six MPs formally crossed over to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction. The defections, part of 'Operation Tiger', have triggered a series of allegations and counter-allegations.

On Tuesday, Mumbai North-East MP Sanjay Dina Patil, one of the six who switched sides, claimed he had paid the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership to get his Lok Sabha ticket. He also alleged that the party used him to target Uddhav Thackeray's cousin Raj Thackeray during the Mumbai municipal elections, spending crores at the behest of top leaders. Patil warned against any attempts to harm him or his family, in response to calls for violence from some Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut challenged Patil to face him without police security and questioned Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis about the law and order situation. Raut accused the defectors of being bought for personal gain, claiming they received ₹15 crore earlier and ₹35 crore on the day of the press conference. He alleged that the MPs switched for contracts and kickbacks, and noted that unutilised MP funds indicated lack of genuine need for money.

Raut also claimed that Gokul Gite, who won an MLC election with BJP support, was bought over by Shinde within two hours of his victory. He said the details of the financial trail have been shared with the Enforcement Directorate.

Patil denied these allegations, stating he switched because the party leadership ignored his complaints of unfair treatment. He asserted that the Shiv Sena (UBT) does not want powerful people but slaves, though he clarified he has no problem with Uddhav Thackeray or Aaditya Thackeray.

The six MPs formally joined Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena on June 22, following days of speculation about poaching. Shinde has indicated more shocks to follow.