The Shiv Sena (UBT) could be heading towards another major split, with sources claiming that 14 to 16 MLAs and six MPs are preparing to leave the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.
According to sources, the proposed
breakaway could take shape within the next six to seven days. If it materialises, it would mark another significant setback for Uddhav Thackeray after the 2022 rebellion that dramatically altered Maharashtra’s political landscape.
Focus Shifts to Shiv Sena (UBT)
The development comes shortly after political discussions surrounding the Trinamool Congress and has now shifted attention to the Shiv Sena (UBT).
Rumours of an alleged “Operation Tiger” have triggered concerns within the party that some of its MPs may cross over to the rival Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The speculation became serious enough for Uddhav Thackeray to convene a meeting of all nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs at Matoshree, his residence in Mumbai.
The purpose of the meeting was to assess the party’s strength and counter growing rumours of a possible split. However, the meeting itself soon became the subject of further political speculation across the state.
What MPs Are Saying?
Prataprao Jadhav, Shinde Sena MP, who recently met Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh, said, “We have been colleagues in the past, so we keep meeting. That does not mean anyone is leaving their party. But when we speak to them, we realise many are unhappy with the Thackerays and Sanjay Raut. They feel they are constantly under suspicion over whom they meet and do not have access to Matoshree. If these bottled-up emotions explode, some may leave the party. Yes, MPs and MLAs are in touch with us, but that does not mean they will quit Shiv Sena (UBT).”
Another Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, reacting to speculation about a possible split in the party, said, “Why don’t they make the names of these seven MPs public, like they did in the case of the TMC? There is no tiger; they have no teeth. Those making these claims should themselves be asked whom they are in touch with. We made our position clear on Sunday. All our MPs attended the meeting, and those who could not be physically present joined through video conferencing,” said Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, reacting to speculation about a possible split in the party.
What Is ‘Operation Tiger’?
The term “Operation Tiger” has increasingly gained currency in Maharashtra’s political circles. It is being used to describe an alleged effort by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to encourage defections from the Uddhav Thackeray camp.
Reports have suggested that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have been in contact with leaders from the Shinde faction. According to political discussions surrounding the issue, talks have also reportedly taken place in Delhi in recent weeks.
The rumours gathered momentum after Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Jadhav claimed that all Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were in touch with Eknath Shinde.
There have also been reports of confidential meetings involving some MPs from the Thackeray camp, further fuelling speculation about a possible realignment.
Shinde Sena Rejects Defection Claims
Despite the growing buzz, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde has publicly denied attempting to engineer defections from rival parties.
Party leaders have dismissed talk of “Operation Tiger” as political speculation.
Speaking on Tuesday, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said the party had no interest in breaking other political organisations.
“We have no interest in breaking any party. Everyone has seen the popularity of our leader, Eknath Shinde, because he is loyal to the common people and works at the grassroots level. He doesn’t work from home, and the way people are coming and joining the Shiv Sena every day, one thing is clear from that: there is an atmosphere of progress across Maharashtra,” she said.
Rejecting claims of any operation aimed at defections, Shaina NC added, “So, there is no Operation Tiger, but rather Operation Progress.”
