Raut Unleashes Profanity on Rebel UBT MPs, Alleges Rs 50 Cr 'Bribe' Amid Split Fears

Top Summary

• What happened: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut used strong profanity against rebel party MPs, accusing them of "betrayal" and alleging they are being offered Rs 50 crore to switch sides. He urged media not to censor his remarks.
• Why it matters: This public outburst highlights significant internal dissent and potential defections within Shiv Sena (UBT), threatening a repeat of the 2022 split and raising concerns about political ethics and stability in Maharashtra.
• What changes: The political landscape in Maharashtra could face further instability. Citizens may witness intense legal battles and heightened scrutiny of elected representatives' loyalties and integrity.
• Who is affected: Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, the party's leadership including Uddhav Thackeray, Maharashtra politics, and potentially the ruling NDA alliance, due to possible shifts in parliamentary strength.

Raut's Fiery Outburst Against Rebel MPs

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut launched a profanity-laced attack on rebel party members, accusing them of eyeing a switch from the Uddhav Thackeray camp. He vowed that the party would not spare "backstabbers," challenging them to resign and openly join the NDA.

Addressing the media, Raut unleashed a string of expletives, labeling the rebel MPs as "beimaan" (traitors). He explicitly urged reporters not to beep out his abuses, stating,

"These s*** bh**** should leave...don't cut."

 

Raut asserted that "betrayal is in their blood" and challenged any dissidents to resign first. He argued that those elected on the party's ticket had no right to betray the mandate given by voters.

Defending Remarks and Allegations of 'Buying' MPs

Defending his abusive remarks, Sanjay Raut stated he had said nothing wrong, claiming such expressions are common in Maharashtra and Marathi. He clarified these remarks were not made in Parliament but questioned whether wrongdoing should be met with praise.

He further alleged that some MPs from the Uddhav Sena camp were being offered Rs 50 crore to switch sides. This comes amid growing speculation of a possible split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).

Raut claimed an "important person" informed him that efforts were underway to "buy" MPs from Maharashtra.

"I was told that the rate is Rs 50 crore and that Rs 15 crore each would be delivered by tonight,"

he stated, adding they were allegedly unwilling to board aircraft without receiving the money.

 

The Rajya Sabha MP emphasized that if political parties were broken in this manner, the meaning of fighting elections would be lost. He warned that Maharashtra and Sena (UBT) workers would not remain silent if the 2022 split of the undivided Shiv Sena were to repeat.

Party Takes Legal Steps Amid Low Attendance

Shiv Sena (UBT) has initiated legal steps in response to the looming threat of defections. The party has issued a whip ahead of its parliamentary party meeting scheduled for Thursday.

They have also written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting strict action in line with constitutional provisions. Of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs, only Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Rajabhau Waje were present at Raut's press conference.

When confronted later, Raut distanced himself from naming specific MPs allegedly receiving crores, stating,

"I haven't named any party."

He also dismissed the idea that Eknath Shinde was the mastermind behind any UBT MPs' rebellion, calling him "not such a big man."

 

Sawant and Desai reiterated that the party had no official information about any split, learning of reports through media. While faith in MPs remained, legal safeguards were being put in place as a precaution.

Allegations of Pressure and Erosion of Democracy

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders strongly alleged that the practice of "buying and breaking" elected representatives was against both democracy and the Constitution. Raut recalled Sunday's meeting where MPs had taken multiple oaths of loyalty.

He highlighted the personal investment, stating,

"We spent our blood and sweat for these MPs. We gave them tickets and whatever financial help we could."

Raut asserted that MPs were elected due to Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray and late founder Balasaheb Thackeray, not PM Narendra Modi or Dy CM Eknath Shinde.

 

Raut also claimed pressure was being exerted on Dharashiv MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar. He alleged Nimbalkar was told that a favorable verdict in his father's 20-year-old murder case, originally due Wednesday, would depend on joining "their group." The verdict is now expected Saturday.

He questioned the implications:

"If this is happening, what remains of the Constitution, the courts and democracy?"

Raut concluded by stressing loyalty to the Thackeray family, stating, "Whatever the party has given us, we cannot forget."

 

What to Watch Next

The outcome of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s parliamentary party meeting on Thursday will be crucial, potentially revealing the extent of dissent. Further legal battles are expected as the party seeks to prevent defections and uphold constitutional provisions.

The alleged verdict manipulation concerning MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, now set for Saturday, will also be closely watched for its implications on judicial integrity and political pressure.