As political chatter around the much-discussed “Operation Tiger” refuses to die down in Maharashtra, fresh speculation has emerged after a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP reportedly met deputy chief minister Eknath
Shinde at his official residence.
According to sources, Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar recently met Shinde at Nandanvan, his Mumbai residence. While the exact agenda of the meeting has not officially been disclosed, the development has once again triggered political buzz over possible cracks within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction.
The meeting comes at a time when leaders from Shinde’s Shiv Sena have been aggressively pushing the narrative of “Operation Tiger”—a political move allegedly aimed at bringing leaders and elected representatives from the rival Thackeray camp into their fold. Over the past few weeks, speculation has intensified that several MPs from the Thackeray faction could eventually switch sides.
Supporters of Ashtikar, however, have dismissed the political speculation and claimed the meeting was purely related to development works and securing funds for projects in the Hingoli constituency. Despite the clarification, the optics of the meeting have fuelled fresh political discussions in Maharashtra’s power corridors.
This is not the first time Ashtikar’s name has surfaced in political crossover rumours. Earlier too, there were reports suggesting that the Hingoli MP was in touch with leaders from the Mahayuti alliance. The speculation gained momentum after Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally called Ashtikar to wish him on his birthday. The gesture had sparked intense discussions in political circles, prompting Uddhav Thackeray to also reach out and speak with the MP soon after.
Meanwhile, signs of local-level erosion within the Thackeray camp are also becoming visible. In Mumbai, Ramsharan Chandeliya, considered a close supporter of Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab, recently joined Shinde’s Shiv Sena along with more than 500 workers. The induction ceremony was held in the presence of Shinde and local party leaders.
Political observers believe such developments are helping the Shinde camp strengthen the perception that “Operation Tiger” is active, even though no major defection has officially taken place so far. With Maharashtra politics entering another phase of uncertainty, every meeting and political gesture is now being closely watched for deeper signals.
