08 June,2024 06:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde. File Pic
The Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Saturday claimed that two newly elected Lok Sabha members from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) were in touch with Maharashtra Chief Minister, reported the PTI.
According to the PTI, hitting back, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sachin Ahir said the claim is being made out of fear and desperation as Shiv Sena lawmakers are now apprehensive over who will be their alliance face when they contest polls in the state, which will be held in the second half of the year.
Addressing a press conference, Shiv Sena spokesperson Naresh Mhaske refused to name the two Lok Sabha members citing the anti-defection law, but said that four more lawmakers would soon join the two and cross over to the CM Eknath Shinde-led party, as per the PTI.
"The two Lok Sabha members were unhappy with the manner in which Uddhav Thackeray sought votes from a particular community, who came in busloads," Mhaske, the newly elected Lok Sabha member from Thane, said.
Naresh Mhaske said while two Lok Sabha members from Thackeray camp were in touch, four more would join them and support Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi.
Naresh Mhaske's remarks came against the backdrop of Shiv Sena(UBT) leader Sanjay Raut's claim that Shinde faction's MLAs and MPs were keen to rejoin Thackeray.
The Shinde-led Shiv Sena won seven Lok Sabha seats, while the Thackeray faction won nine seats.
Speaking on the claims, Sachin Ahir said his party's position was clear about not having any truck with those who rebelled against the leadership and Uddhav Thackeray.
Ahir asserted some MPs from the CM Ekanth Shinde faction who were denied tickets had approached the Shiv Sena (UBT) but the latter refused to indulge them even if it meant losing seats.
No question of joining NDA, says Shiv Sena (UBT)
As the NDA prepares to form the government, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has accused the BJP of spreading false narratives. It has alleged that the BJP is trying to divert attention by claiming Uddhav Thackeray is in contact with the NDA. Shiv Sena (UBT) has firmly denied these claims, stating that Thackeray is not in communication with anyone from the BJP.
They further accuse the PMO of spreading rumours through BJP-beat reporters. Recent reports have suggested that Uddhav Thackeray, whose party won nine Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra, matches the BJP's tally in the state. The BJP, which is 32 seats short of a majority, heavily depends on its allies like the TDP and the JDU. Shiv Sena (UBT) denies any contact with the BJP or involvement in negotiations led by a cabinet-rank minister. "We fought the BJP because they tried to break our party and take everything from us. Why would we consider returning to them? This false narrative is a distraction as state elections approach," said a source close to Thackeray.
(with PTI inputs)
