Six members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in Mumbai on Monday [1].
The move is critical because it provides the Shinde camp with the two-thirds majority required to avoid the disqualification of the rebel bloc under the anti-defection law [2].
The MPs involved in the switch include Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Omprakash Nimbalkar, Sanjay Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, and Nagesh Ashtikar [1]. The group finalized the transition at the Maharashtra Assembly and Balasaheb Bhavan [3].
Eknath Shinde said the move was the second stage of a strategic effort known as “Operation Tiger.” The operation aimed to consolidate the party's strength and stabilize the faction's legal standing [2].
"Operation Tiger has been successful," Shinde said [4].
While some reports initially suggested only two MPs had confirmed the switch, verified records confirm six members shifted their allegiance [1]. The defection marks a significant blow to the UBT faction's parliamentary strength in the region [2].
"Operation Tiger complete," Shinde said [5].
“"Operation Tiger has been successful"”
By securing a two-thirds majority, the Shinde-led faction effectively neutralizes the threat of the anti-defection law, which typically penalizes legislators who switch parties. This consolidation of power weakens the Shiv Sena (UBT) and shifts the balance of political leverage in Maharashtra, making the Shinde camp the legally recognized entity of the original party.
