Shiv Sena (UBT) rebellion speculation: BJP has no role in it, says Chandrashekhar Bawankule

Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday distanced his party from the ongoing speculation surrounding a possible rebellion within the Shiv Sena UBT asserting that the BJP has no role in any alleged efforts to engineer defections from the Uddhav Thackerayled partyHis remarks come amid growing political chatter that a section of Shiv Sena UBT MPs could break away and form a separate group triggering fresh uncertainty within the opposition camp in MaharashtraBJP rejects allegations linked to Operation TigerSpeaking to reporters in Nagpur Bawankule said he had no knowledge of the alleged Operation Tiger that has dominated political discussions in recent daysHe stated that he was unaware of the operation its purpose or the people behind it and therefore could not comment on the speculation surrounding itVIDEO Nagpur Maharashtra Amid speculation over Operation Tiger and reports of a possible split in Shiv Sena UBT Maharashtra minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule says We dont know anything about Operation TigerFull video available on PTI Videos hellip pictwittercomxOjc0yCwVTmdash Press Trust of India PTI_News June 17 2026The BJP leader was responding to allegations made by Shiv Sena UBT Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut who claimed that efforts were being made to lure MPs from Maharashtra through financial incentivesBawankule categorically denied any BJP involvement in the matter and said the party had no connection with the developments being discussed in political circlesParty affairs should be handled internally says BawankuleAccording to Bawankule decisions regarding political parties and their elected representatives are matters that should be handled by the respective party leadershipsHe said Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde would take decisions concerning his party while Uddhav Thackeray would be responsible for managing affairs within Shiv Sena UBTThe BJP leader maintained that only the leaders of the respective parties would know the internal situation within their organisations and reiterated that the BJP had no role in any attempt to trigger a splitHe also criticised attempts to link the BJP to the controversy calling such allegations baselessUddhav Thackeray should introspect BJP leader saysResponding to questions about reports of MPs and legislators leaving the Uddhav Thackeray camp Bawankule said the Sena UBT chief should examine the reasons behind the dissatisfaction within his partyHe suggested that instead of blaming external forces party leaders should assess why elected representatives may be considering leaving the organisationAccording to Bawankule understanding the causes of internal discontent is more important than making allegations against political opponentsHis remarks add to the ongoing political debate over whether the current speculation reflects genuine unrest within Shiv Sena UBT or merely political rumoursComments on moneyfordefection allegationsAddressing claims that legislators were being offered money to switch political allegiance Bawankule said it was inappropriate to assume that elected representatives make political decisions solely on the basis of financial considerationsHe argued that there could be several factors influencing such decisions and urged political parties to focus on the reasons behind defections rather than making unverified allegationsThe BJP leaders response came a day after Raut alleged that advances were being offered to encourage MPs to change sides No evidence has been publicly presented to support the claimBawankule dismisses speculation over Maharashtra leadershipBawankule also responded to comments by Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar who recently suggested that Eknath Shinde could become chief minister if Devendra Fadnavis were to move to national politicsHe described the remarks as Bhondekars personal opinion and said every legislator has the right to express individual viewsHowever Bawankule stressed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis continues to enjoy a clear mandate and is focused on implementing the states development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra ModiDismissing speculation about a possible shift of Fadnavis to Delhi he said the chief minister remains committed to his vision of a developed Maharashtra by 2047 and that discussions about a change in leadership are neither relevant nor necessary at presentAs rumours of a possible split within Shiv Sena UBT continue to dominate Maharashtra politics BJP leaders have sought to distance themselves from the controversy while opposition leaders remain engaged in efforts to maintain unity within their ranksWith inputs from PTI