Mumbai: Fresh political uncertainty has gripped Maharashtra after reports suggested that several Members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction may be preparing to join the rival camp led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The developments have triggered concerns within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, prompting a series of meetings aimed at maintaining unity.
According to multiple media reports, at least six to seven Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) are reportedly in touch with leaders from the Shinde faction as part of what political circles have dubbed “Operation Tiger.” The reported move could significantly weaken the Uddhav camp if it materialises.
Amid the speculation, Uddhav Thackeray convened meetings of party MPs and later called a gathering of all state legislators. Party leaders described the meetings as an effort to strengthen coordination and address concerns among elected representatives ahead of the upcoming legislative session.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have publicly denied reports of an imminent split. Senior leader Sanjay Raut claimed that attempts were being made to lure party MPs and alleged that large sums of money were being offered to encourage defections. However, no independent evidence has yet been presented to support those allegations.
The uncertainty has been fueled further by recent defections at the organizational level. In Nagpur, former Shiv Sena (UBT) city chief Nitin Tiwari and several local office-bearers joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, delivering another setback to the Thackeray camp.
Despite the growing rumours, no formal announcement of MP defections had been made at the time of writing. Political observers note that under anti-defection provisions, a significant number of MPs would need to move together for a split to have legal standing, making the coming days crucial for Maharashtra’s political landscape.
