Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Reach Delhi Amid Split Speculations, Speaker

Speculations of a split within Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) have intensified as six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs reportedly arrived in Delhi on Tuesday evening via a chartered flight. Reports suggest they may meet the Lok Sabha Speaker today and hold a press conference at 9 AM.

Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) MLC Kripal Tumane claimed that discussions under 'Operation Tiger' have been ongoing for a month and are now in the final stages. He suggested these MPs might join the Shinde faction before the monsoon session. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde also reportedly traveled to Delhi on Tuesday.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut dismissed the claims of a split, stating on social media platform X, "Maharashtra MPs are being offered ₹15 crore in advance to switch parties. This is shameful." Earlier, Raut had denied reports of MPs forming a separate faction, asserting that all MPs remain united under Uddhav Thackeray's leadership. He also criticized attempts to misrepresent a meeting between Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh and Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav.

Uddhav Thackeray, referencing the 2022 split in Shiv Sena, reiterated his stance that he does not pressure anyone to stay in the party. He stated, "Whoever wants to leave, may leave." Four of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs physically attended a recent party meeting, while the others participated online.

Key Points
- Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs reportedly reached Delhi on Tuesday evening.
- They are expected to meet the Lok Sabha Speaker and hold a press conference today.
- Sanjay Raut denied split claims, asserting all MPs remain united under Uddhav Thackeray.
- Kripal Tumane claimed discussions under 'Operation Tiger' are in the final stages.
- Uddhav Thackeray reiterated his stance of not pressuring anyone to stay in the party.