Rajabhau Waje, a Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament from Nashik, denied he is in contact with the Eknath Shinde camp on Wednesday [1].

The statement comes as the party faces intense speculation regarding a potential split. If multiple lawmakers defect, it could significantly weaken the legislative standing of Uddhav Thackeray's faction.

Waje addressed the media in Delhi during a party-summoned meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs [2]. He rejected reports that he was considering a switch, saying that he has not received any call or invitation from Eknath Shinde [3].

"I was, am and will remain with Uddhav Thackeray," Waje said [1].

The denial is a response to growing buzz surrounding "Operation Tiger," a rumored effort to induce defections from the UBT camp [3]. Current reports suggest that six MPs may break away to join the Shinde camp [3]. However, other party leaders have described these rumors as unfounded [4].

Shiv Sena (UBT) currently holds nine Lok Sabha seats [3]. The internal stability of the group has come under scrutiny after only four of those nine MPs attended the meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray in Delhi [5].

Waje emphasized his long-term commitment to the party leadership. He said he has been with Uddhav Thackeray from the beginning and intends to continue that alliance [3].

"With Uddhav ji and will remain with him," Waje said [2].

“"I was, am and will remain with Uddhav Thackeray."”

The public reaffirmation of loyalty by a key MP like Waje is an attempt to project unity and stabilize the party's base. However, the fact that fewer than half of the party's MPs attended the emergency Delhi summit suggests a disconnect between public denials and internal party discipline, leaving the door open for further political volatility.