Nagpur/Yavatmal: Sanjay Deshmukh, the Yavatmal-Washim Lok Sabha member and the sole Shiv Sena (UBT) representative from Vidarbha, participated in party chief Uddhav Thackeray's emergency meeting for MPs held at Matoshree on Sunday. He attended virtually and firmly stated his allegiance to the party. Rumors have been circulating that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is attempting to lure seven UBT MPs to strengthen the Shiv Sena's presence in Parliament.
"I am with Uddhavji only. I could not attend the meeting in person, but I was there throughout in virtual mode. We are dedicated soldiers of Balasaheb Thackeray and will stay with his party only," Deshmukh told TOI. Apart from Deshmukh, other MPs who joined virtually included Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Waghchaure, and Nagesh Ashtikar. MPs Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Rajabhau Waje attended the meeting in person at Matoshree. Uddhav also spoke to Parbhani MP Sanjay Bandu Jadhav over the phone.
Following the meeting, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut issued a public statement confirming that all nine UBT Lok Sabha MPs had reaffirmed their loyalty. He urged an end to the speculation. "Now at least, this market of rumours should shut down," he said, listing the attendees as proof that the parliamentary party remained intact.
The meeting was prompted by what political observers have termed "Operation Tiger," an alleged effort by Shinde to attract six of the nine UBT Lok Sabha members before the monsoon session. The central government is expected to reintroduce the delimitation and women's reservation bills during the session. An influx of UBT defectors, along with a reported revolt by 20 TMC MPs, could provide the BJP-led NDA with the two-thirds majority required in both Houses.
Under the anti-defection law, at least seven of the nine UBT Lok Sabha MPs would need to break away together to avoid disqualification, making Shinde's outreach a numbers game.
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