Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Saturday came out in support of his cousin and Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray amid the rebellion by six Lok Sabha MPs from the party. He alleged that attempts were being made to split elected representatives for political gains.
Addressing a gathering in Mumbai, Raj Thackeray said, "Attempts to split MPs are underway here, politics for power is in full swing. I believe the public should pay more attention to all these things than the workers of political parties. There's an old saying that when self-respect is lost, only living copses remain."
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Raj Thackeray said political parties have become so focused on acquiring power that they are neglecting the larger issues facing Maharashtra and the country. Expressing concern over the current political climate, he remarked, "In this game of abducting MLAs and MPs, we are forgetting our fundamental things. We are forgetting Maharashtra's tradition, Maharashtra's history, the nation's tradition."
The MNS chief further accused political parties of relying on defections and political manoeuvring to weaken rivals rather than seeking a mandate from voters. Addressing party workers, he said, "Our movement reaches homes but not the ballot box. What do you call this? Do we even realise that a conspiracy is being hatched around us?"
Uddhav Thackeray's Message To Party Workers
Raj Thackeray's remarks came a day after Uddhav Thackeray addressed the rebellion within Shiv Sena (UBT) during the party's 60th foundation day celebrations.
Uddhav said he remained steadfast despite the challenges and even expressed willingness to step aside if party workers no longer had faith in his leadership.
He said, "I would be happy if someone from the party ranks becomes the next Shiv Sena president, but I will not let it pass on in the hands of thieves."
Why Did The Latest Revolt Take Place?
The new turmoil in Shiv Sena (UBT) occurred after six of the party's nine Lok Sabha members boycotted an important parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi against the party's instructions. Nagesh Ashtikar, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure were the MPs who did not show up.
On the other hand, Sanjay Raut, MP, and Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Vaze, MPs of Lok Sabha, participated in the meeting.
Later on, during the party's establishment day in Mumbai, the four leaders were honoured. Now the party has also issued notices to the six MPs and asked them for clarification within 24 hours as to why they were absent.
In these notices, there has been a warning that action may be taken against their disqualification if the explanation given is not satisfactory. Discussions about the next uprising of Shiv Sena have started again after this rebellion.
Speculation Over Another Split
The rebellion has reignited speculation about another split in Shiv Sena. The party witnessed a major division in 2022 when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray and later formed a government with the BJP.
The latest developments have once again raised questions over the future of the Uddhav-led faction and intensified the political battle within Maharashtra's opposition camp.