'Jahan Thackeray, wahan Shiv Sena': Sanjay Raut dismisses defection buzz

Shiv Sena UBT Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday rejected speculation about defections within the party and asserted that the original Shiv Sena remains with the Thackeray family amid continuing political buzz over an alleged Operation Tiger aimed at attracting MPs to the Eknath Shindeled Shiv SenaAddressing a joint press conference with Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant in New Delhi Raut sought to counter claims that a section of Shiv Sena UBT MPs had already switched allegiance to the rival factionHis remarks came hours after Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed that six MPs from the Uddhav Thackerayled party had expressed confidence in Eknath Shinde and joined his campRaut asserts Thackeray camp is the original Shiv SenaResponding to questions about reports of defections Raut said the identity of the Shiv Sena remains linked to the Thackeray family and its ideological legacySince when has Shindes Shiv Sena become the original Shiv Sena The original Shiv Sena is here Where there is Thackeray there is Shiv Sena he saidThe statement reflects the continuing political and ideological battle between the Uddhav Thackerayled faction and the Eknath Shindeled Shiv Sena following the split in the undivided party in 2022Both factions have continued to claim ownership of the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal ThackerayStrong response to defection speculationRaut adopted an aggressive tone while responding to reports that efforts were underway to engineer defections from the partyWithout naming any individual or organisation directly he challenged those allegedly attempting to weaken Shiv Sena UBT and accused them of undermining democratic principlesThe Rajya Sabha MP also referred to investigations by central agencies and said party leaders were prepared to face political and legal challengesHis comments come amid reports suggesting that several MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray camp are in contact with leaders from the ruling Shiv Sena faction though no MP has publicly announced a decision to switch sidesParliamentary party meeting held amid uncertaintyRaut confirmed that the party had convened a meeting of its Lok Sabha MPs in New Delhi and issued a threeline whip directing lawmakers to attendAccording to him the meeting was scheduled for 11 am on Thursday at the partys Parliamentary Office in Delhi and was called to discuss important organisational and parliamentary mattersThe meeting is being viewed as a crucial test of support for Uddhav Thackeray within the partys parliamentary wing amid persistent rumours of a rebellionParty leaders have indicated that attendance at the meeting could play an important role in determining the next course of action if any dissident group emergesCriticism of contemporary politicsIn a separate post on X Raut criticised the prevailing political environment and quoted social reformer Acharya Dada Dharmadhikari and Shiv Sena founder Bal ThackerayThe post reflected his broader criticism of what he described as the growing influence of money and power in politicsRaut also accused the BJP of contributing to what he called the deterioration of Maharashtras political culture although he did not provide specific examples to support the allegationThe BJP has repeatedly denied allegations that it is involved in attempts to engineer defections from opposition partiesRival camp claims support from six MPsThe latest round of political sparring follows claims by Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi that six Shiv Sena UBT MPs have already expressed support for Eknath Shinde and joined his factionRaghuvanshi described the development as the success of Operation Tiger and welcomed the MPs into the partyHowever Shiv Sena UBT leaders have strongly contested such claims insisting that no official split has taken place and that several MPs named in media reports have publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to Uddhav ThackerayWith competing claims emerging from both camps and no formal announcement from any MP regarding defection political observers are closely watching developments in New Delhi The outcome of the parliamentary party meeting and the positions adopted by individual lawmakers are expected to provide greater clarity on whether the speculation results in an actual split or remains part of the ongoing political battle between the two Sena factionsWith inputs from ANI