Operation Tiger: In a setback for Uddhav Thackeray, at least two of six dissident Lok Sabha MPs of the Shiv Sena (UBT) have confirmed their switch to the Eknath
Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The six rebel MPs are likely to announce a formal split from the party through a joint press conference in Delhi. The two MPs, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, cited various reasons for crossing over to the Shinde camp, including fund crunch. However, the common refrain was Uddhav Thackeray's absence from the field during the recent local body polls and the defeat of the Sena (UBT) candidates. Nagesh Patil Ashtikar confirmed that he has crossed over to Shiv Sena, headed by Eknath Shinde. In a video clip posted on his social media handle, Ashtikar said he has not compromised on his ideology and "has just gone from one Shiv Sena to another". Ashtikar said that he had "not gone anywhere" until June 18, but was forced to change his mind after certain remarks were made against him and other members, an apparent reference to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. Meanwhile, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar cited the Sena (UBT)'s defeat in the local body elections and his inability to do much for the people because of being in opposition. Nimbalkar said Shinde and Fadnavis made him speak with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. "We lost because we were not in power. As I am not part of the government, I couldn't do much for the people in the last two years. Considering these factors, I have decided to join Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. He stood with us. I have interacted with Shinde and CM Fadnavis,” he added. Six MPs, including Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, skipped the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17. This had fuelled the buzz that they were all set to cross over to Shiv Sena. The Sena (UBT) has nine Lok Sabha members, and the rebel bloc needs at least six MPs -- two-thirds of the total strength -- to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law. Earlier on Sunday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the "operation" has been successful, referring to 'Operation Tiger'. His deputy and Shiv Sena president Eknath Shinde said he never leaves an "operation" incomplete. The group has already submitted a letter to the office of the Lok Sabha Speaker seeking official recognition as a separate bloc. As part of their claim, the MPs have also reportedly demanded seating on the Treasury benches.
