Mumbai: Amid speculation that a section of parliamentarians may defect to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has summoned a meeting of all his legislators on June 22, the first day of the monsoon session of the state legislature. The meeting follows a gathering of Lok Sabha MPs at his residence Matoshree on Sunday.
Meeting Details
Uddhav Thackeray will address the MLAs and MLCs at the meeting scheduled at Shivalay, the party's office in Nariman Point. The Sena (UBT) has 20 MLAs and 6 MLCs in the state legislature. The party circular, signed by chief whip Sunil Prabhu and Anil Parab, stated that the meeting is at 4 pm and requested all members to attend on time.
Previous MP Meeting
Of the 9 UBT Sena MPs, only 4 attended the Sunday meeting in person, while the party claimed the other 5 joined virtually.
Shinde Sena's Overtures
Shinde Sena leaders fueled speculation on Tuesday. MLC Krupal Tumane claimed that discussions with seven Sena (UBT) MPs under 'Operation Tiger' were in the final stages. He compared the process to a hospital operation, saying, "Now, only the final date for the procedure needs to be fixed with the doctor. The operation will take place before the monsoon session." Minister Pratap Sarnaik added, "If public representatives believe in Balasaheb Thackeray's ideals and trust Eknath Shinde's leadership, the doors of Shiv Sena are open."
UBT Sena's Rebuttal
Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut dismissed the claims, questioning Tumane's relevance. He accused the BJP of splitting parties, citing examples of TMC, NCP, and Shiv Sena. Raut asserted, "All MPs participated in the meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray and expressed faith in his leadership. Some even swore by their loved ones to pledge support."
Dy CM Shinde's Silence
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde avoided questions about the speculation.
MP Deshmukh's Meeting
On Monday, Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh from Yavatmal-Washim skipped Uddhav's meeting and met Shinde Sena's Union minister Pratap Jadhav in New Delhi. Jadhav said the meeting was for personal work related to an educational institute and not about defection. Raut maintained that all 9 MPs are firmly with Uddhav Thackeray.
With inputs from PTI
