Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday alleged that there is disagreement among the party's dissident MPs over who will become a Union minister, and a settlement has been reached to provide an additional Rs 25 crore to those who do not get the opportunity.
Rebel MPs Likely to Join Shinde Faction
Sena (UBT) MPs Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar are likely to join the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. These lawmakers did not attend the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting convened on Thursday, confirming their breach with Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.
Raut's Allegations
Talking to reporters, Raut said, "There are clashes in the rebel group over who will become minister at the Centre."
"Only one among the six can become minister, so a settlement has been made that the rest will be given an additional Rs 25 crore (for the switchover)," he alleged.
Thackeray's Criticism
Slamming Mumbai Northeast MP Sanjay Dina Patil for rebelling, Thackeray said there was no reason for him to abandon the party. Even his daughter, Rajool Patil, was given a ticket for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) ignoring a "loyalist". Rajool won the civic polls earlier this year.
"We were very confident that Sanjay Dina Patil will attend the meeting called by the party in New Delhi on Thursday," Raut said.
Security and Resignation Demands
He also attacked the Maharashtra government for granting 'Y-plus' security to rebel MPs, and dared them to roam without any protection.
"The police department is only for the protection of traitors. This is a waste of public money," Raut said, adding that the dissident MPs should first resign and seek fresh mandate from the people.
