Mumbai, June 22 -- Shiv Sena MLA Nilesh Narayan Rane on Monday launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, dismissing his allegations against rebel legislators and defending the decision of six MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Speaking to ANI, Rane questioned the basis of Raut's claims that money had exchanged hands in the defection process and challenged him to provide evidence.

"Don't attach so much importance to what Sanjay Raut says. Does he have any proof? On what grounds is he speaking that money was taken? Were you involved in hawala?... Why should I answer his questions? He is a 'gutter-chaap' character," Rane said.

His remarks came after Raut accused several rebe...