A political maneuver called "Operation Tiger" has allegedly targeted six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs to induce them to defect to Eknath Shinde's faction [2].
The effort represents a critical escalation in the power struggle between the rival Shiv Sena factions. If successful, the move would consolidate parliamentary strength for Shinde's camp while severely weakening the legislative standing of Uddhav Thackeray (Shiv Sena UBT) [2].
Reports indicate the operation involved the use of chartered jets and alleged bribes totaling 50 crore rupees [1]. These resources were reportedly used to lure the lawmakers away from the UBT faction in Maharashtra [1].
While some reports state that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have moved to merge with the Shinde faction [2], other accounts suggest the operation may have failed. According to these reports, two MPs from the Uddhav camp did not sign the split letter and may derail the plans [3].
Sanjay Raut, a spokesperson for the UBT party, said he has been involved in addressing the storm hitting the party as it attempts to stop the plot [1]. The internal conflict stems from the ongoing split between the Thackeray and Shinde wings of the party, with both sides vying for legitimacy and control over the Shiv Sena identity [2].
The discrepancy regarding the number of defectors highlights the volatility of the current political climate in Maharashtra. While the Shinde camp seeks to expand its influence, the resistance of two lawmakers could signal a limit to the effectiveness of the alleged financial inducements [3].
“Operation Tiger is a suspected political maneuver involving chartered jets and 50 crore rupees in bribes.”
The allegations surrounding Operation Tiger underscore the instability of party loyalty in Maharashtra's legislative landscape. The use of high-value financial incentives and luxury transport to secure defections suggests that parliamentary strength is being pursued through transactional means rather than ideological alignment. If the reports of resistance by two MPs are accurate, it indicates that the Shinde faction may face significant hurdles in achieving a total sweep of the UBT parliamentary contingent.
