Mumbai

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday claimed that differences have emerged among a group of dissident party MPs over the possibility of securing a berth in the Union Cabinet. He further alleged that an arrangement had been worked out under which those who miss out on ministerial positions would receive an additional ₹25 crore.

The remarks come amid reports that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs — Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar — are preparing to switch allegiance to the ruling Shiv Sena faction headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The MPs were notably absent from the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting held in New Delhi on Thursday, a move widely viewed as confirmation of their break from the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray.

Addressing reporters, Raut alleged that competition among the rebel lawmakers for a ministerial post had triggered internal tensions.

According to him, only one of the six MPs could be accommodated in the Union Council of Ministers. He claimed that an understanding had been reached whereby the remaining MPs would receive an additional ₹25 crore as part of the deal surrounding their political shift.

Raut also expressed disappointment over the reported rebellion of Sanjay Dina Patil, saying the party had consistently supported him and his family. He pointed out that Patil’s daughter, Rajool Patil, had been fielded by the party in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, despite objections from long-time party loyalists, and had gone on to win.

“We were confident that Sanjay Dina Patil would attend the parliamentary party meeting in Delhi,” Raut said.

The Sena (UBT) leader further criticised the Maharashtra government for extending Y-plus security cover to the rebel MPs. He challenged them to move around without police protection and accused the administration of misusing public resources.

“The police machinery appears to be working only for the protection of defectors. This is an unnecessary burden on taxpayers,” he said.

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Raut also reiterated the party’s demand that the rebel MPs resign from Parliament and seek a fresh mandate from voters if they intend to switch sides.