Sanjay Raut, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Member of Parliament, said six rebel Lok Sabha MPs were offered Rs 15 crore [2] each to leave the party.
The allegations come as the party navigates internal instability and speculation regarding a split. Raut's comments aim to shift the focus away from legislative losses and toward the party's foundational support system.
Speaking in an interview with NDTV, Raut addressed the recent rebellion of six [1] Lok Sabha MPs. He said that these individuals were bought over with significant financial incentives to switch their political allegiance [2]. This internal turmoil coincides with the period around Shiv Sena’s 60th foundation day.
Raut said that the stability of the organization does not depend on the presence of specific lawmakers. He said the strength of Shiv Sena lies in its dedicated workers, not its MLAs or MPs [1].
"People come and leave, but the party moves ahead," Raut said.
The leader sought to counter the narrative that the departure of these lawmakers would cripple the party's influence. By prioritizing the role of the grassroots worker, Raut framed the rebellion as a loss of individual opportunistic actors rather than a systemic failure of the party's ideology [1].
The claims of financial inducement add a layer of corruption allegations to the ongoing political friction within the party. Raut said that the movement of legislators is often driven by monetary gain rather than political conviction [2].
“"People come and leave, but the party moves ahead."”
The allegations highlight a recurring tension in Indian politics where party loyalty is frequently contested through financial inducements and strategic defections. By framing the party's power as residing with the workers rather than the elected officials, Raut is attempting to insulate the Shiv Sena (UBT) brand from the volatility of legislative shifts and ensure the party remains viable despite the loss of key MPs.
