Will always remain with Uddhav: UBT MP Waje

Nashik: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajabhau Waje — reiterating his unwavering loyalty to party chief Uddhav Thackeray amid speculation of a split within the faction — on Wednesday firmly ruled out any possibility of him joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.Waje said he is currently in Delhi and will attend the party’s parliamentary meeting scheduled on Thursday. “I will never part ways with the party and leadership on whose ticket and symbol I was elected. I will always remain with Uddhav Thackeray,” he said.His statement comes in the backdrop of reports that six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are likely to form a separate group, fuelling fresh speculation about internal divisions.Responding to these reports, Waje told TOI that he has not been approached by anyone from the Shinde faction and is unaware of any such developments involving other MPs. “I am not going anywhere. I will remain loyal to my party and its leadership,” he said, underlining his commitment to the UBT camp.Earlier in May, Waje had found himself in the centre of speculation after he shared the stage with Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde during the inauguration of a vegetable market building and other development works at Gangapur village on the outskirts of Nashik city.

The event was also attended by minister Gulabrao Patil, sparking talk of “Operation Tiger” and possible crossovers.Waje had dismissed such claims at that time, clarifying that his presence at the event was not politically motivated and had no bearing on his party affiliation.With political activity intensifying ahead of key developments within the party, Waje has once again made it clear that he will continue to stand by Uddhav Thackeray, seeking to put to rest speculation about his political stance.