Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 17 : Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam on Wednesday hit out at Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut over his remarks against party MPs, saying that such statements reflected the "collapse" of the party's leadership.
Speaking to ANI, Nirupam said, "Sanjay Raut, who once spoke with respect for his MPs, has now begun abusing them. This reflects the collapse of their party's leadership."
He further alleged that Shiv Sena (UBT)'s departure from Hindutva had led to growing discontent within the party ranks.
"They have broken away from Hindutva, leaving workers, cadre, MLAs and MPs deeply dissatisfied and restless. Instead of recognising this, they blame and insult their own people, using words that are unacceptable in civil society," Nirupam said.
Earlier today, during the press conference, Shiv Sena (UBT) party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut hurled abuses at party rebel MPs, asking the media not to cut out his comments.
Addressing the press conferences along with party MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai in the national capital, Raut warned that the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent on this trustless act.
He also warned the rebels and said those wishing to leave the party should first "resign from their posts" and face the people 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," Raut told reporters in Delhi.
The remarks come amid intense political speculation in Maharashtra over reports of a possible split within Shiv Sena (UBT). However, there has been no official confirmation from the party regarding any breakaway faction.
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.
Raut questioned the intentions of those allegedly planning to leave the party and said elected representatives owed their mandate to Shiv Sena (UBT) and its supporters.
"What kind of drama have you created. Whoever wants to go... resign and leave, our people have elected you as MPs... you have come here after getting elected on our ticket," he said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader asserted that the party would continue to fight politically against any attempts to weaken it by the ruling party under 'Operation Tiger'. "We will stay in Delhi and will remain in Delhi to fight against it," he added.
Emphasising his loyalty to the party, Raut said, "Shiv Sena (UBT) is our mother, and they have sworn on their loved ones.... if they will do such a thing to us... this will not be tolerated."