'Rs 50 Crore Per MP': Sanjay Raut's Explosive Claim Amid Fresh Shiv Sena (UBT) Split Rumour

Mumbai: Maharashtra's politics has once again been rocked by a major upheaval after speculation grows over a possible split in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Lok Sabha unit, on Wednesday senior party leader Sanjay Raut alleged that some MPs were being lured with massive financial inducements to switch sides.

What is Operation Tiger?

'Operation Tiger', which has been the focus of discussion for several days, now appears to be becoming a reality. According to reports, six of the nine Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have decided to leave the party and may soon join the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This development has created a new stir in state politics.

According to reports, six MPs from the Thackeray faction are expected to submit a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday, announcing their separation from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction and their support for the Shinde faction. Several rebel MPs and Eknath Shinde himself are reportedly already in Delhi for this political exercise.

What did Sanjay Raut say?

Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut reacted sharply to this entire incident. In a social media post, Raut alleged that Maharashtra MPs had been given advances of Rs 15 crore each to break the alliance. 

Sena UBT MP Sanjay Raut during a press conference with party leaders Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje alleged that, "I got a call from an important person. He told me the MPs have been promised Rs 50 crore with Rs 15 crore as an advance. MPs are being bought in Maharashtra."

According to reports, Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje are the only three of the nine Sena-UBT MPs backing Uddhav Thackeray.

Maharashtra MPs being bought at Rs 15 crore, alleges Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.

There is no point in contesting elections if parties like TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT) are split: Sanjay Raut.

Out of 9 Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs, only 3 - Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waje and Arvind… pic.twitter.com/g1jadP6b6d

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 17, 2026

What did Sanjay Rait say about meeting?

Sanjay Raut said that "Sena (UBT) parliamentary party chief Arvind Sawant has issued a whip, asking all nine MPs to attend party meeting at 11 am tomorrow. Those who are elected on party symbol have no right to betray the party."

"MPs don't have a right to betray the party. This time people won't tolerate. There will be reaction," says Sanjay Raut.

What did Mahua Moitra say?

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra also responded to Sanjay Raut's allegations on social media. She sarcastically wrote, "Only 15 crore rupees? Why are you leaving so cheap? Our people are being given Rs 4 crore in advance and Rs 1 crore per month for the next 36 months. Honey plus money."

Who are nine Lok Sabha MPs?

The nine current Lok Sabha MPs of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena include Anil Desai, Arvind Sawant, Sanjay Dina Patil, Rajabhau Vaze, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure. Of these, reports are emerging that all MPs except Anil Desai, Arvind Sawant, and Rajabhau Vaze have switched sides. However, no official announcement has been made regarding this entire development. However, Sanjay Raut is scheduled to speak to the media in Delhi soon and share important information.