Kumar Bahukhandi
MPs disillusioned with Uddhav – Photo: channel2india.com
A major political shift could be on the cards in Maharashtra. Shiv Sena leader and minister Pratap Sarnaik has claimed that six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) will join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday. If this happens, the Shinde faction’s strength in the Lok Sabha will rise from seven to 13. Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray has announced a state-wide tour to interact with party workers. Read more.
Speaking to reporters, Pratap Sarnaik stated that six MPs would officially join the Shiv Sena at 3 PM on Monday. He claimed that these MPs had already submitted a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker. Sarnaik described this as part of ‘Operation Tiger,’ noting that the campaign runs throughout the year. He added that MPs who subscribe to Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology are now aligning with the Shinde faction.
What is ‘Operation Tiger,’ and who made the claim?
Pratap Sarnaik stated that Shiv Sainiks and elected representatives have been continuously joining the Shinde faction under ‘Operation Tiger.’ He said, “We thank Sanjay Raut, because first MLAs joined our party, and now MPs are joining too.” Sarnaik’s statement has stirred up Maharashtra politics. However, there has been no official response from Shiv Sena (UBT) regarding this claim so far.
Which MPs are rumored to be joining the Shinde faction?
The MPs rumored to be joining the Shinde faction include Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli), Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North-East), and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv). Notably, none of these MPs attended the recent Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting. Speculation about them leaving the party had intensified right after this.
S.No. Potential MP Lok Sabha Constituency
1 Sanjay Deshmukh Yavatmal- Washim
2 Nagesh Patil Ashtikar Hingoli
3 Sanjay Jadhav Parbhani
4 Bhausaheb Wakchaure Shirdi
5 Sanjay Dina Patil Mumbai North-East
6 Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar Dharashiv
What did leaders from the UBT and Shinde factions say?
Reacting to these developments, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Mahesh Sawant said, “Those who were to leave, have left.” Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MLC Dr. Manisha Kayande stated that she had not yet received any official information. However, she did mention that those joining are Shiv Sainiks rather than rebels, and that Eknath Shinde has welcomed them. She also hinted that some good news might be forthcoming on Monday.
What is Uddhav Thackeray’s next strategy?
Amidst this political crisis, Uddhav Thackeray has decided to communicate directly with party workers. According to the schedule shared by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, Uddhav Thackeray will launch a Maharashtra-wide public outreach campaign starting June 27. He will visit Yavatmal, Washim, Hingoli, Parbhani, Dharashiv, and Shirdi. This tour is seen as an effort to strengthen the party organization and boost the morale of the workers. At a time when there is talk of several party MPs defecting to the Shinde faction, this campaign by Uddhav Thackeray is considered politically crucial.
