Maharashtra: Amid Defection Buzz, 4 Sena (UBT) MPs Meet Uddhav; 5 Join Virtually
"Four MPs were physically present at the meeting, while five participated through video conferencing": Mr. Raut
MUMBAI: Amid speculation that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may defect to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday convened a meeting of the party’s Lok Sabha members at his residence, Matoshree, in Mumbai. At least five of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs were absent from the meeting in person. However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders said all nine MPs participated, with five joining via video conference.
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut said MPs Arvind Sawant, Sanjay Dina Patil, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waze attended the meeting physically, while the remaining five participated online due to personal reasons.
According to Mr. Raut, Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar joined the meeting from Pune’s Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital, where his son is admitted. Shirdi MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure participated from a hospital in Shirdi owing to his wife’s illness. Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtikar attended virtually as his son is contesting the Legislative Council elections, while Washim MP Sanjay Deshmukh joined online as he was occupied with preparations for his daughter’s wedding. Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav reportedly spoke to Mr. Thackeray over the phone. However, no explanation was given for Mr. Jadhav’s absence.
"Four MPs were physically present at the meeting, while five participated through video conferencing. In this way, nine MPs attended today's meeting with Uddhav Thackeray. Aaditya Thackeray was also present," Mr. Raut said.
Dismissing speculation about possible defections, Mr. Raut asserted that all Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs remain loyal to Mr. Thackeray. He said the party chief holds monthly meetings with Shiv Sena MLAs and MPs. “Those who could not attend Sunday's meeting in person would meet him at Matoshree within the next two to three days,” he said.
When asked about reports of an alleged “Operation Tiger” aimed at engineering defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT) to the ruling Mahayuti alliance, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he had no information about it.
According to sources, the meeting discussed key political issues, including the demand for an unconditional farm loan waiver. Mr. Thackeray also reportedly directed MPs to publicly dismiss rumours of defection and reassure party workers that there was no imminent split in the party.