₹15 crore to be paid to MPs tonight, says Shiv Sena (UBT) leader

SS-UBT MP Sanjay Raut. | Photo credit: ANI

Rumors that seven Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs would quit the party intensified on Tuesday (16 June 2026) when Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut wrote a cryptic post claiming that attempts would be made to “buy each MP for ₹15 crore”.

“Apna Sapna (Dream is just money) money, the information that Maharashtra MPs will receive an advance of ₹ 15 crore tonight is extremely shocking and disgusting,” Mr Raut said on X, tagging Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The statement comes a day after he and other party members dismissed reports that nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have decided to quit the party and join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. On Sunday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting at Matoshree in Mumbai where only four MPs were present.

Shiv Sena leaders Sanjay Raut and MP Anil Desai are in Delhi and are likely to address all MPs.

Meanwhile, an MLC from the Shinde camp confirmed the rumor and said, “It is in the final stages”. “Seven MPs and 16 MLAs want to be with Shiv Sena and are in touch with us. Everything will be done before the monsoon session,” said Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane.

On Tuesday, Shiv Sena minister Pratap Sarnaik said, “The doors of Shiv Sena are open 24×7 and 365 days, anyone can join us.”

Mr. Thackeray will also hold a meeting of MLAs and MLCs on June 22 when the monsoon session of the Maharashtra state legislature begins. Earlier, Mr Raut, who dismissed the rumours, said, “All MPs are with us and will be present on June 19, the 60th foundation day of the undivided Shiv Sena.”

Published – 17 Jun 2026 0:30 AM IST