Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said Maharashtra lawmakers were offered ₹15 crore each to defect to the Eknath Shinde faction [1].
These allegations highlight the ongoing instability and internal fractures within Maharashtra's political landscape as rival factions vie for dominance. The claims suggest a coordinated attempt to weaken the party led by Uddhav Thackeray through financial incentives.
Raut said the alleged operation was "Op Tiger," suggesting that the Shinde-led camp sought to induce lawmakers to switch sides [2]. He specifically alleged that ₹15 crore [1] was offered to each MP. Some reports indicate that six MPs were rumored to have been approached as part of this effort [3].
In addition to the cash offers, some reports associated with the claims mentioned the offer of a private jet to facilitate the defections [4]. However, this specific detail regarding aviation transport was not corroborated across all reporting outlets.
Raut said the phrase "Apna Sapna Money Money" described the nature of the alleged offers [5]. He said the Shinde faction is acting in coordination with the BJP to undermine his party.
While addressing the situation, Raut extended an invitation to those who may have already defected. "If anyone regrets the mistake… because of the way the BJP is insulting them, they should come back to the party led by Uddhav," Raut said [6].
The accusations come amid a period of intense political maneuvering in the state. The Shinde faction and the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) continue to battle for the legal and political identity of the original Shiv Sena party.
“"Apna Sapna Money Money"”
This allegation reflects the high-stakes nature of coalition politics in Maharashtra, where party loyalty is often challenged by the lure of power and financial gain. By framing the defections as a calculated operation, Raut is attempting to delegitimize the Shinde faction and paint them as opportunists, while simultaneously providing an exit ramp for lawmakers who may feel marginalized by their current alliances.
