MPs Offered Rs.15 Cr Each to Switch Sides: Sanjay Raut Amid Op Tiger Buzz

"Apna Sapna Money Money! It's shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered ₹15 crore each tonight to switch sides," Raut wrote on X.

His remarks came amid speculation of possible unrest within the Shiv Sena (UBT) ranks and reports that some MPs could break away from the party.

Earlier in the day, Raut dismissed reports suggesting that five MPs from his party were likely to form a separate faction. He said the MPs had attended a meeting called by party chief Uddhav Thackeray and expressed faith in his leadership.

"This is a lie. We have no such information. Four days ago, all these MPs took part in a meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray and expressed faith in his leadership. Of them, some of the leaders swore by their loved ones pledging support to Uddhav," Raut said while addressing a press conference.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also dismissed speculation about any alleged move by her party to engineer defections from rival political outfits, saying there was "no interest in breaking any party."

"We have no interest in breaking any party. Everyone has seen the popularity of our leader, Eknath Shinde, because he is loyal to the common people and works at the grassroots level. He doesn't work from home," Shaina told ANI.

However, Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane added to the "Operation Tiger" buzz, drawing parallels with the 2022 split in the party. Tumane claimed discussions with seven UBT MPs had reached the final stage and asserted they were likely to join the Shinde faction ahead of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.

Maharashtra is currently witnessing intense speculation over "Operation Tiger," amid reports that seven of the nine UBT MPs are in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and are considering joining the ruling party.

In 2022, Shinde, along with several MLAs, broke away from Uddhav Thackeray, splitting the Shiv Sena into two factions.