Kumar Bahukhandi
Talk of ‘Operation Tiger’ in Maharashtra (File photo)
A major political upheaval is brewing in Maharashtra. Just as the talk of a split in Mamata Banerjee’s party was settling down, reports have emerged of a potential rift within Uddhav Thackeray’s faction. It is claimed that 6 out of the 9 UBT MPs are in a rebellious mood and may soon form a separate faction before joining the Shinde camp.
Mumbai: After Mamata Banerjee, Uddhav Thackeray could now face a major setback. Reports emerging from Maharashtra politics could cause sleepless nights for the UBT camp.
According to information, 6 out of the 9 MPs from the Uddhav faction have decided to rebel. If this political scenario plays out, Uddhav Thackeray could suffer another significant blow before the party’s foundation day.
Two rebel MPs have already reached Delhi, while the remaining four are arriving tonight. Reports suggest that these six rebel MPs will form a separate faction and subsequently merge with the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction).
Efforts to prevent the potential split within the party are also intensifying; MPs Anil Desai and Sanjay Raut have arrived in Delhi for this purpose.
It is believed that Deputy CM Eknath Shinde will deal this blow to Uddhav Thackeray before Shiv Sena’s 60th foundation day (June 19).
Notably, with seven MPs, the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) is the BJP’s third-largest ally at the Centre, while the Shiv Sena (UBT) has nine Lok Sabha MPs.
Talk of ‘Operation Tiger’ in Maharashtra
For the past few days, there has been talk of ‘Operation Tiger’ in Maharashtra. It was rumored that under this plan, some MPs might join the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. However, Shinde had dismissed this claim.
He had stated that the elections were over and there was no longer any need for a ‘numbers game’.
In fact, Uddhav Thackeray had summoned the nine MPs to Matoshree for a meeting, but only four MPs showed up in person. This group included Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waje, and Sanjay Dina Patil. MP Omraje Nimbalkar did not attend, whereas Sanjay Deshmukh and Nagesh Patil reportedly joined the meeting online.
Subsequently, Uddhav remarked, “Whoever wishes to leave may do so happily. Today may not be my day, but tomorrow certainly will be. Until then, one must remain patient and endure. Those who leave Balasaheb’s Shiv Sena will eventually regret it, but by then, it will be too late.”
If the speculations prove true, this would be the second major setback for Uddhav Thackeray in four years and would mark the second major split within the Shiv Sena. Previously, in June 2022, Eknath Shinde had rebelled, leading to 40 Shiv Sena MLAs breaking away from the Uddhav faction.
Later, more MLAs joined his camp, bringing the total number to around 50. At that time, the undivided Shiv Sena held 55 seats. Citing this numerical strength, the Election Commission had allotted the party name ‘Shiv Sena’ and the ‘Bow and Arrow’ election symbol to the Shinde faction.
