From ₹15 Crore to ₹50 Crore: Raut’s Stunning Claim Amid Defection Rumours
Mumbai: The political storm surrounding the alleged “Operation Tiger” in Maharashtra intensified on Wednesday after Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut claimed that party MPs were being offered huge sums of money to defect, triggering a sharp exchange with Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra on social media. Also Read: ‘Want to Leave? Go Ahead’: Uddhav Thackeray’s Tough Message Amid ‘Operation Tiger’ Buzz in Maharashtra
The controversy erupted after Raut alleged that MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction were being offered up to ₹15 crore each to switch sides and join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Taking to X, Raut wrote, “Apna Sapna Money Money! It’s shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered ₹15 crore each tonight to switch sides.”
अपना सपना मनी..मनी..!
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 16, 2026
Apna Sapna Money Money!
It’s shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered ₹15 crore each tonight to switch sides.@Dev_Fadnavis
The allegation comes amid intense speculation that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are considering breaking away from the party and aligning with the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Mahua Moitra’s Sarcastic Swipe
Raut’s claim soon drew a sarcastic response from TMC MP Mahua Moitra, who appeared to mock the reported amount involved in the alleged defection attempt.
“In only ₹15 crore?” Moitra quipped on X, sparking widespread discussion on social media.
Only ₹15 cr? Saste mein kyo jaa rahe hai? Believe ours got ₹4cr up front and ₹1cr a month for next 36 months of term. …. Honey plus Money.@uddhavthackeray @abhishekaitc https://t.co/Yl1ZXFxkC5
— Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) June 16, 2026
The remark prompted a swift counter from Raut, who escalated the claim by suggesting that the actual price of political defections was significantly higher.
“The minimum support price is closer to ₹50 crore. ₹15 crore is only the advance amount,” Raut reportedly responded, keeping the political pot boiling.
Apna Sapna Money Money!
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 17, 2026
No no — Mahua ji,the Minimum Support Price is fixed at ₹50 crore per MP.(पचास खोके)
₹15 crore is just the advance.
Frankly, these people aren’t even worth ₹50,000.
Their price has only gone up because of the Shiv Sena and TMC brand label. https://t.co/Srzjgg4DkX
Defection Buzz Refuses to Die Down
Earlier on Tuesday, Raut dismissed reports claiming that five Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were preparing to form a separate faction. He maintained that all MPs had participated in a meeting convened by party chief Uddhav Thackeray and reiterated their faith in his leadership.
The developments come against the backdrop of growing speculation that six out of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may be preparing to cross over to the Shinde camp. Reports suggest that the rebel MPs could reach Delhi and initiate steps towards forming a separate parliamentary group.
Parallel Political Turmoil
The Maharashtra developments coincide with political turbulence within the Trinamool Congress as well. A rebel faction of the TMC has reportedly approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition as the “real TMC” and announced a merger with the lesser-known NCPI, adding another layer of intrigue to the national political landscape.
While no official confirmation has emerged regarding the alleged Shiv Sena (UBT) split, the continuing rumours, coupled with public claims of financial inducements and sharp political exchanges, have ensured that the “Operation Tiger” controversy remains at the centre of Maharashtra’s political discourse.
With speculation mounting and rival camps trading accusations, all eyes are now on whether the reported rebel MPs make their next move in Delhi and reshape the balance of power within Maharashtra’s fractured Shiv Sena.
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