India, June 18 -- Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday doubled down on his abusive tirade against the 'rebel' MPs who skipped a key meeting of the party's parliamentary wing amid speculation of an internal split and an attempt to form a separate grouping ahead of a possible merger with the Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

On Thursday, six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs were absent from the crucial meeting, adding to rumours of divisions within the party. The gathering was seen as a test of support for Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and whether he could prevent a break-up in the Lok Sabha unit. Track live updates related to Sena (UBT) crisis here.

Speaking to reporters af...