Mumbai: Rebellion rumblings within Shiv Sena (UBT) have pushed Uddhav Thackeray into a quick countermove: a swift, state-wide outreach drive geared to rally Shiv Sena (UBT) cadres across Maharashtra. The tour will take him into key constituencies, including those represented by MPs who are lining up to join the Eknath Shinde’s camp.
UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut released the itinerary showing Thackeray will kick off the campaign on June 27 in Yavatmal, then proceed to Washim in Vidarbha and Hingoli in Marathwada, as reported by The New Indian Express. On June 28 he will visit Parbhani and Dharashiv, and on June 29 he will be in Shirdi.
A group of MPs who did not attend the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting — Yavatmal-Washim MP Sanjay Deshmukh, Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav, Shirdi MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Mumbai North East MP Sanjay Dina Patil, and Osmanabad MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar — are being tipped as likely to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Thackeray Hits Out At Rebel MPs
Against this backdrop, Thackeray visited UBT Sena offices in Bhandup West and Ghatkopar, Mumbai, on Sunday and held discussions with party workers. He launched a blistering attack on Sanjay Dina Patil and the other MPs who skipped the meeting, accusing them of betrayal.
“Despite facing betrayal and MPs being sold, the Shivsainiks are still standing firm. I want to apologise for asking you to vote for the traitor. I had campaigned in all Lok Sabha Constituencies. I have given him (Sanjay Dina Patil) a ticket. He increased his price by getting elected, and later he sold himself. This trend is dangerous,” Thackeray said.
Reaffirming Shiv Sena (UBT)’s backing for Congress, Thackeray took a dig at the BJP, questioning its leadership and suggesting Congress remains entangled with it.
“Does anyone know who the president of the BJP is? No. One day, someone from Congress will be their president. They said Congress Mukt Bharat, but it is BJP yukt Congress.”
Rajool Patil Backs Thackeray
Although Sanjay Dina Patil is counted among the rebels, his daughter Rajool Patil called on Thackeray at Matoshree in Mumbai and pledged her allegiance to the party.
“I had come to Uddhav ji to present my side, and I told him I am with Shiv Sena (UBT),” said Rajool Patil, a core committee member of the Yuva Sena.
