Six members of parliament have defected from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction to join the rival camp led by Eknath Shinde [4].
This shift threatens the stability of the faction led by Uddhav Thackeray. By inducing defections, Shinde aims to weaken the UBT camp ahead of upcoming elections in Maharashtra.
The effort to split the party has been codenamed “Operation Tiger” [1]. Eknath Shinde said, "Operation Tiger now complete and successful" [3].
Reports indicate the scope of the defection may extend beyond the current six MPs. Some reports state that up to 16 MLAs and six MPs are eyeing an exit from the Thackeray-led faction [2, 3]. Other estimates suggest around 20 legislators are preparing to split [1].
While Shinde has declared the operation a success, some reports suggest the transition remains volatile. News24Online said that two MPs from the Uddhav camp may derail Shinde’s plans, noting that those individuals have not signed a letter of defection [1].
The internal power struggle follows a pattern of factionalism within the Shiv Sena. The current crisis centers on the ability of Shinde to consolidate power by absorbing key legislative members from his rival's camp [1, 2].
“"Operation Tiger now complete and successful"”
The defection of six MPs and the potential loss of up to 16 MLAs significantly erode the legislative strength of the Shiv Sena (UBT). If 'Operation Tiger' successfully transfers a large block of legislators to Eknath Shinde, it could shift the balance of power in Maharashtra, leaving Uddhav Thackeray with diminished bargaining power and a weakened organizational base heading into the next election cycle.
