Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said Wednesday that Maharashtra MPs were offered ₹15 crore [1] each to switch political sides.
The allegations suggest a deepening instability within the party and a potential split that could shift the legislative balance in the region.
During a press conference held in Maharashtra, Raut said the offers were made to entice members of the party to defect. He challenged any Member of Parliament considering such a move to resign from their post and seek a fresh mandate from the electorate [2].
Reports indicate that as many as six Lok Sabha MPs may be involved in the reported defection efforts [1]. Raut's public challenge aims to expose the alleged bribery and demand accountability from those within the party ranks who may be tempted by the financial offers.
The situation comes amid ongoing tensions within the Shiv Sena (UBT) as the party navigates internal fractures and external pressure from opposing political factions. Raut said the call for resignation is a matter of political ethics, and respect for the voters who elected these representatives.
While some reports highlight the aggressive tone of the press conference, the central focus remains the claim of a ₹15 crore [1] payment per MP. The party continues to monitor the loyalty of its representatives as the threat of a split persists.
“Maharashtra MPs were being offered ₹15 crore each to switch sides”
These allegations highlight the volatile nature of coalition politics in Maharashtra, where 'horse-trading'—the practice of offering incentives for legislators to switch parties—can lead to sudden government collapses or shifts in power. By calling for resignations and fresh mandates, Raut is attempting to frame the defection not as a political realignment, but as a betrayal of the democratic mandate, thereby increasing the political cost for any MP who chooses to defect.
