New Delhi [India], June 17 (ANI): Amid speculation of internal turmoil within Shiv Sena (UBT), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Wednesday said that Shiv Sainiks are known for their bravery and their association with Bal Thackeray, adding that “Balasaheb never taught cowardice or backstabbing one’s own party.”
He also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which he referred to as the “ED party”, of attempting to weaken Opposition parties through the use of central agencies.
“Only the brave are mentioned in history. No history is written for cowards. If you get scared of ED, CBI, and Police and join the ‘ED Party’, how will you face the people in your constituency? Shiv Sainiks are considered brave, and they speak of Balasaheb. Balasaheb never taught them this cowardice to backstab their own party, their own people and join another party,” Singh said.
“The goal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to get two-third strength in Parliament by hook or by crook. They will try to break parties in all manners possible,” he added.
His remarks came amid the growing speculation that a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could break away and form a separate group.
Earlier in the day, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, along with Lok Sabha MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in the national capital.
Addressing the media, Raut warned against any possible defections, saying those who wish to leave the party should resign and face the public again.
“If anyone wants to go, they can resign and leave. If such reports emerge about our MPs, then they should refute them. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent,” he said.
Raut also alleged attempts to engineer a split in the party, claiming financial inducements were being offered to MPs.
“I have information that Rs 15 crore each was delivered to the MPs, after which they boarded charter flights from three places, including Nanded and Pune. We have issued a whip for the Parliamentary Party Meeting tomorrow. Arvind ji has written to the Lok Sabha Speaker,” he said.
Maharashtra is currently witnessing “Operation Tiger” buzz amid speculation that seven of the nine UBT MPs were in touch with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and are looking to join the ruling party. Back in 2022, Shinde, along with several MLAs, broke away from Uddhav Thackeray, splitting the party into two. (ANI)
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