Six Lok Sabha MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) joined Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction in Mumbai on Monday [1].
The shift is critical because it grants the Shinde-led group the two-thirds majority required to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law [2]. This move effectively consolidates Shinde's control over the party structure and weakens the legislative standing of the Thackeray faction.
The rebel MPs formally joined the Shinde camp during events held at the Maharashtra Assembly and Balasaheb Bhavan [3]. Shinde said the strategic maneuver, which he called "Operation Tiger," has been successful [4].
Before the defection, the Shiv Sena (UBT) held nine total Lok Sabha MPs [5]. The departure of six members represents a significant blow to the party's parliamentary strength. Shinde said the arrival of the MPs strengthens the mandate of his government [6].
At a press conference scheduled for Monday afternoon, leaders from the Shinde camp welcomed the newcomers. One unnamed Shiv Sena leader said Eknath Shinde is taking Maharashtra ahead [7].
The transition marks a definitive split in the party's representation in the lower house of Parliament. By securing 66.7% of the party's MP strength, the Shinde faction satisfies the legal threshold to maintain their seats without facing the anti-defection penalties that often trigger seat vacancies during party splits [2].
“"Operation Tiger has been successful."”
This mass defection stabilizes Eknath Shinde's legal position by neutralizing the threat of the anti-defection law, which typically penalizes legislators who switch parties unless two-thirds of the legislative party agrees to the merger. By securing six of the nine MPs, the Shinde faction has effectively marginalized Uddhav Thackeray's influence in the Lok Sabha and shifted the balance of power within the Maharashtra political landscape.
