Political discussions in Maharashtra have now shifted to Shiv Sena (UBT) amid growing talk that a section of the party’s leaders could soon part ways with the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp. Sources say that 14 to 16 MLAs and around six MPs may leave the party within the next six to seven days, which could become another major setback for Uddhav Thackeray after the 2022 rebellion.
‘Operation Tiger’ sparks speculation
The term “Operation Tiger” has been widely discussed in Maharashtra politics in recent weeks. It is being used for reports that leaders from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena are in touch with MPs and MLAs from the Thackeray camp. Political circles have also been discussing meetings that reportedly took place in Delhi, adding to speculation about a possible shift in loyalties.
The rumours gained strength after Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Prataprao Jadhav claimed that all Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were in contact with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Reports of private meetings involving some leaders from the Thackeray camp have further fuelled the discussion.
Uddhav holds meeting with MPs
Amid the growing buzz, Uddhav Thackeray called a meeting of all nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs at Matoshree in Mumbai. The meeting was aimed at reviewing the party’s position and addressing concerns about a possible split.
Responding to the speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant questioned why the names of the MPs being discussed had not been made public. He said all party MPs attended the meeting, while those who could not be present joined through video conferencing. Sawant also dismissed claims of any serious threat to the party.
Leaders react to defection talk
Speaking about the issue, Prataprao Jadhav said that he recently met Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh because they had worked together in the past. He said such meetings should not automatically be linked to political defections.
However, Jadhav claimed that several leaders in the Thackeray camp were unhappy and felt they were often viewed with suspicion regarding whom they met. He added that many also felt they did not have easy access to Matoshree. According to him, MPs and MLAs remain in touch with the Shinde camp, though that does not necessarily mean they will leave their party.
Shinde Sena denies any move to split parties
Despite the speculation, leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have rejected claims that they are trying to break rival parties. Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said the party has no interest in causing splits and credited Eknath Shinde’s popularity to his work among ordinary people and at the grassroots level.
Rejecting talk of “Operation Tiger,” she said there was no such exercise underway and instead described the current situation as “Operation Progress,” pointing to people joining the party across Maharashtra.
