<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/six-shiv-sena-ubt-mps-defect-to-eknath-shinde-camp-after-skipping-delhi-meeting-23636375" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Shiv Sena (UBT)</a> leader and Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Council, Ambadas Danve, on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the six Lok Sabha MPs who recently joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, alleging that they had "sold themselves" and were lured away from the party.
The remarks come a day after six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs formally joined the ruling Shiv Sena, marking another significant setback for the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction following the party split in 2022.
The MPs who switched sides are Sanjay Deshmukh from Yavatmal, Sanjay Jadhav from Parbhani, Sanjay Dina Patil from Mumbai North East, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar from Hingoli, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar from Dharashiv and Bhausaheb Wakchaure from Shirdi.
Several of the MPs have argued that joining the ruling side would help them secure development projects and funds for their constituencies.
<h2>Sena (UBT) rejects development fund argument</h2>
Danve dismissed those claims, insisting that the explanation offered by the MPs was misleading.
"All six MPs who left us and joined <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/politics-news/article/mumbai-operation-tiger-now-complete-says-eknath-shinde-after-six-ubt-mps-switch-to-shiv-sena-23636334" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Eknath Shinde</a> have sold themselves. Their claim that they were not getting development funds is false and inaccurate," Danve alleged.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader further claimed that the circumstances behind the defections would eventually become public.
"The details of their deal with Shinde will come out soon," he told reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan premises.
The Shinde-led Shiv Sena has maintained that leaders joining the party are doing so voluntarily and in support of its political direction.
<h2>Opposition meeting expected to address concerns</h2>
Danve was also asked about the absence of three<a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/politics-news/article/mumbai-rebel-ubt-mps-join-shiv-sena-in-eknath-shindes-presence-23636324" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"> Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators</a> from a meeting convened by party chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday.
The issue had sparked speculation about possible dissatisfaction within the party following the defection of the MPs.
However, Danve sought to downplay the matter and said all legislators would be present at the next meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
"We have already said that there will be another meeting of the Maha Vikas Aghadi tomorrow and all the MLAs will be present there," he said.
The Opposition alliance, comprising Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP (SP), has been attempting to project unity amid recent political developments in Maharashtra.
<h2>Danve criticises remarks by Shiv Sena leader</h2>
Danve also reacted strongly to comments made by <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/shiv-sena-ubt-rebellions-aaditya-thackeray-calls-rebel-shiv-sena-ubt-mps-cowards-and-sellouts-23636307" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Shiv Sena leader</a> Kiran Pawaskar during the induction of the six MPs on Monday.
Pawaskar had remarked that the party was "not a daycare" while referring to an appeal made by late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray regarding Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray.
Responding to the statement, Danve said Pawaskar owed his political rise to the Shiv Sena and Bal Thackeray.
"Pawaskar became what he is today because of the blessings of Balasaheb Thackeray and the Shiv Sena. Shinde should remove him for making such insulting remarks against the party," he said.
<h2>Shiv Sena Bhavan remains symbol of party, says Danve</h2>
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also commented on reports that the Shinde-led Shiv Sena is exploring land options to build its own party headquarters.
Danve argued that any new structure would not be able to replicate the historical and emotional significance of Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar, which has long been associated with the party founded by Bal Thackeray.
"The new building can never be as sacred as the original Shiv Sena Bhavan for real Shiv Sainiks. A traitors' building will never command the same respect as the original," he added.
The latest war of words highlights the continuing political rivalry between the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) and the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/politics-news/article/mumbai-best-bus-strike-public-transport-day-disrupted-as-bkc-commuters-hunt-for-alternatives-23635994" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena</a>, which remains one of the defining fault lines in Maharashtra politics following the party's split.
(With inputs from PTI)

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