Maharashtra Minister Denies BJP's Role in Shiv Sena Defections
BJP's Stance on Shiv Sena Leaders Switching Allegiances
On June 17, Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule dismissed allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is encouraging leaders from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) to switch sides. Speaking in Nagpur, Bawankule stated that the BJP has no involvement in the movements of Thackeray's MPs. He emphasized that Thackeray should understand why his MPs or MLAs are leaving him. If they are joining Eknath Shinde, it is a matter concerning them, and neither the Chief Minister nor any BJP leader is connected to this situation. He questioned why the BJP is being dragged into this issue.
Allegations of Financial Incentives for Defections
These remarks come amid rising speculation that some MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) may leave the party to form a separate faction. Responding to claims made by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut that the BJP is offering money to MPs to switch sides, Bawankule asserted that the party is not involved in such activities. He remarked that it is inappropriate to accuse MPs and MLAs of changing their stance for financial gain. An investigation should be conducted to understand why any MP or MLA decides to leave their party, reiterating that the BJP has no connection to these defections.
Claims of Monetary Offers to Maharashtra MPs
On June 16, Raut alleged that Maharashtra MPs were being offered up to ₹15 crore to join Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction. He posted on X, expressing shock at the reported offers being made to MPs for switching sides, labeling it as a shocking and disgraceful act. Reports suggest that seven out of nine UBT MPs are in contact with Shinde's faction and are considering joining the ruling party. In 2022, Shinde and several MLAs broke away from Thackeray's faction, leading to a split within the party.
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