The 50-Crore 'Minimum Support Price': Sanjay Raut’s Explosive Allegations Shake Delhi

As murmurs of a split within the Shiv Sena (UBT) intensify, senior leader Sanjay Raut has levelled shocking allegations of horse-trading, claiming MPs are being offered 50-crore 'bounties' to switch sides.

The corridors of power in Delhi and Mumbai are currently thick with anxiety as political maneuvering within the Shiv Sena (UBT) reaches a fever pitch. Following a high-stakes meeting at 'Matoshree'—where Sanjay Raut claimed only five MPs were physically present while four joined via video link—the party has launched a fierce counter-offensive against what it terms a systematic poaching operation.

Addressing a press conference in the capital alongside party stalwarts like Arvind Raut, Anil Desai, and Rajabhau Godse, Raut did not mince words. He alleged that a concerted effort is underway to dismantle the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction through financial inducements. According to the claims made in this original article, the going rate for a defection has allegedly reached a "guaranteed" 50 crore rupees.

Perhaps the most damning detail shared by the UBT faction is the logistical demand of those supposedly in talks with the Shinde camp. Raut asserted that some of these legislators refused to even board a chartered flight to Delhi until an advance payment of 15 crore rupees was credited to their accounts. This revelation, drawing from a primary account of the unfolding crisis, highlights the brazen nature of the alleged transactions currently haunting Maharashtra’s political landscape.

The Resilience Factor

Amidst the claims of mass poaching, there are signs of internal friction. Reports suggest that the "Operation Tiger" aimed at poaching UBT members has hit a significant roadblock, with leaders like Rajabhau Waje reportedly rejecting a 100-crore offer to stay loyal to the Thackeray camp. This pushback serves as a vital source of friction for the Shinde-led government, which is looking to consolidate its hold over the party's remaining parliamentary strength.

Why it matters

This isn't just about party arithmetic; it reflects the deep-seated instability that has plagued Maharashtra politics since the 2022 split. When political loyalty becomes a commodity with a "minimum support price," the democratic process itself suffers a credibility crisis. If the UBT faction manages to hold its flock together, it will be a major blow to the Shinde camp's strategy of absolute dominance. Conversely, if these allegations of "15-crore advances" gain traction in the public consciousness, they could ignite a massive voter backlash against the culture of defection in the upcoming electoral cycles.

The political atmosphere remains volatile, with observers noting that the mention of names like Sanjay Dina Patil in wider political circles reflects how closely every move is being watched. As the party prepares for a long-drawn legal and political battle, the challenge for Uddhav Thackeray is clear: keeping his remaining MPs grounded while the allure of the Shinde-led treasury grows.