Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 18 : Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav on Thursday took a sharp aim at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, stating that the "kind of language" used by the Rajya Sabha MP is leading to the "destruction" of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.
Speaking to ANI on the reported 'Operation Tiger' and the internal letter by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, Jadhav said that the matter now rests with the Lok Sabha Speaker.
"Whatever letter the MPs have given is an internal matter of Shiv Sena (UBT). The Lok Sabha Speaker will take a decision on it," Jadhav said.
The Union Minister further commented on the upcoming Foundation Day of the Shiv Sena, emphasising that the "true" followers of Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology would gather to celebrate the occasion.
"Tomorrow is Shiv Sena's foundation day and those who believe in Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology will attend," he added, in an apparent reference to the Eknath Shinde-led faction.
Slashing out at Sanjay Raut for his frequent verbal attacks on the ruling alliance, Jadhav said, "The kind of language he uses is leading to the destruction of Shiv Sena (UBT)."
Maharashtra is witnessing a fresh political buzz around "Operation Tiger", with reports suggesting that seven out of nine Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MPs are in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and may be considering a switch, reviving concerns of another split similar to the 2022 breakaway led by Shinde that divided the party into two factions.
However, there has been no official confirmation from the party regarding any breakaway faction.
Earlier on Wednesday, Shiv Sena (UBT) party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and Lok Sabha MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House in the national capital.
Amid the political sparring, Raut strongly warned of action against any rebellion and denied any official confirmation of defections.
He and other party leaders escalated their attack on the ruling alliance, alleging pressure tactics and asserting confidence in party unity.
In a press conference, he warned the rebels, saying those wishing to leave the party should first "resign from their posts and face the people again.
He also hurled abuses at party rebel MPs, asking the media not to cut out his comments.
"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.