Lok Sabha MP Sanjay Dina Patil from Mumbai North East on Wednesday strongly rejected speculation linking him to any rebellion or defection within Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), reaffirming his ‘unwavering’ loyalty to the party led by Uddhav Thackeray.
Speaking to News The Truth reporter Ankit Salvi over the phone, Patil expressed frustration over being wrongly named in purported defection lists circulating in the media. "I will be attending the parliamentary board meeting on Thursday in Delhi. I met with Aditya Thackeray today. There are no issues with me," he stated. He added that he is being "wrongly named" and described the media attention as "harassing" and "very annoying."
Patil further noted that Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut had used strong language against those considering defection, clarifying that it did not apply to him. "That's not for me. Even I know abuses and I will use them for media if I am troubled," he warned.
The MP pointed out that he had attended a meeting convened by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence on Sunday, underscoring his continued engagement with the party leadership.
‘Operation Tiger'
The statements come against the backdrop of intense political speculation in Maharashtra over 'Operation Tiger' - an alleged bid by the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to woo legislators from the Uddhav Thackeray faction. Reports suggest that up to seven of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs may be in touch with the ruling camp, prompting claims of potential crossovers.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Sanjay Raut, have dismissed the rumours, asserting party unity while accusing rivals of offering large sums to engineer splits. Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly taken a relaxed stance, stating that any MP wishing to leave is free to do so.
Patil's clarification is seen as a significant rebuttal to the swirling narratives, especially as several UBT MPs are reportedly in Delhi ahead of key meetings. The developments highlight ongoing tensions between the two Shiv Sena factions following the 2022 split. The MP emphasised his commitment: "I am an MP of SSUBT and will be in SSUBT only." No immediate response was available from other party leaders on his specific remarks.
