Mumbai: Leaders of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Saturday claimed that Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut was preparing to join the Congress, citing changing political equations in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena MP Jyoti Waghmare alleged that Mr. Raut’s prospects of securing another Rajya Sabha term had diminished, prompting him to strengthen ties with the Congress.
“Mr. Raut is no longer valued within his party. There is no certainty that he will receive a Rajya Sabha nomination in the future, which is why he is moving towards the Congress,” Ms. Waghmare claimed.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has only 20 MLAs in the 288-member Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. To win a single Rajya Sabha seat from Maharashtra, a candidate typically needs a quota of around 42 first-preference votes. Shiv Sena (UBT) will need their Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) partners — the Congress (16 MLAs) and the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) (10 MLAs) — to secure a single Rajya Sabha seat. Mr. Raut’s current (fourth) term began on July 5, 2022, and will conclude on July 4, 2028.
Acknowledging that Mr. Raut switching over to Congress might appear unlikely at first, Ms. Waghmare said the ideological shift of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction made the speculation plausible. “Our party represents the original Hindutva ideology. However, the Uddhav Thackeray faction abandoned Hindutva long ago and aligned itself with the Congress. Therefore, it would not be surprising if Mr. Raut joins the Congress,” she said.
The remarks come amid speculation over “Operation Tiger” — rumours that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may defect to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Against this backdrop, Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly convened a meeting of party MPs at Matoshree on June 14.
Mr. Shinde had earlier denied reports regarding “Operation Tiger”, terming them merely media speculations.
Ms. Waghmare said the Deputy Chief Minister had already clarified his stand, but Mr. Thackeray is holding the meeting because he fears more defections from his party. “This meeting at Matoshree is being held because of fears of MPs defecting. It should not be forgotten that Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Sanjay Patil had recently met Deputy Chief Minister Shinde,” she said.
Meanwhile, the absence of Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omraje Nimbalkar from a recent party meeting in Dharashiv has fuelled further speculation over internal unease within the party. “Only Omraje Nimbalkar can explain why he skipped the meeting. However, the absence of a sitting MP from such an important party meeting is certainly a serious matter for the Thackeray faction,” Ms. Waghmare added.
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