MUMBAI — A senior leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction announced that a payment of ₹15 crore will be made to nine of its members of parliament “tonight,” amid reports that the legislators are considering a shift to the Shinde‑led Sena.
The statement was made by Sanjay Raut, a veteran Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, during a press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday. Raut said the funds are intended to address “the financial hardships” faced by the MPs and to “ensure their continued commitment” to the party’s agenda. He declined to disclose the source of the money, noting that it would be transferred directly to the legislators’ accounts later in the evening.
The announcement coincides with speculation in political circles that the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs — whose names were not disclosed — may defect to the faction led by Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde, which split from the Uddhav Thackeray‑led party in 2022. Sources familiar with the matter told The Hindu that discussions are ongoing, but no formal decision has been taken.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) has faced internal pressure since the split, with senior leaders warning of possible defections that could weaken the party’s position in the Lok Sabha. The party’s official spokesperson, Balasaheb Patil, said the payment is “a routine internal matter” and that any reports of MPs switching allegiance are “baseless” and “intended to create confusion.”
Political analysts note that the timing of the cash transfer could be an attempt to reinforce party loyalty ahead of upcoming parliamentary sessions and potential votes on key legislation. “If the MPs are indeed considering a move, the leadership may be using financial incentives to retain them,” said Dr. Neha Sharma, a professor of political science at the University of Mumbai. “However, without concrete evidence of a defection, such claims remain speculative.”
The Election Commission of India has not been approached for comment, and there is no record of any official filing indicating a change in party affiliation by the nine MPs. Under the anti‑defection law, any formal switch would trigger a disqualification process, a factor that may be influencing the parties’ maneuvering.
Analysis: The claim of a ₹15 crore payout raises questions about the financial mechanisms within regional parties and the extent to which cash is used to manage internal dissent. While Raut’s remarks confirm a forthcoming transfer, the lack of detail about the source and the intended use of the funds leaves room for conjecture. The concurrent rumors of a potential shift to the Shinde faction suggest a strategic effort by the Uddhav‑led side to pre‑empt defections that could alter the balance of power in both state and national legislatures. Observers will be watching for any formal statements from the nine MPs or a filing with the Election Commission that would confirm a change in party allegiance.
Sources
– “₹15 crore will be paid to MPs tonight, says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader,” The Hindu, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/maharashtra/15-crore-will-be-paid-to-mps-tonight-siva-sena-ubt-leader/article71110702.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
