Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Shiv Sena (UBT), convened a meeting of party members of parliament at Matoshree in Mumbai on Sunday [1].
The gathering comes as the party seeks to quell rumors of a potential split. Speculation known as "Operation Tiger" suggests that some lawmakers might defect to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena [1], which would weaken Thackeray's political standing and organizational stability.
Thackeray used the session to address organizational matters and refine the party's political strategy [1]. The meeting included key figures such as MP Sanjay Raut and MP Rajabhau Parag Prakash Waje [1].
Attendance records indicate that nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs participated in the meeting [2]. While some attended in person at the Mumbai residence, five MPs joined the proceedings virtually [2].
The focus of the discussion remained on internal cohesion, and strategic planning to counter the ongoing buzz regarding party defections [1]. By gathering his legislative cohort, Thackeray aimed to project unity and discourage members from entertaining offers from opposing factions [1].
This move follows a period of intense political volatility in Maharashtra, where shifting loyalties have frequently altered the balance of power. The meeting served as a direct response to the perceived threat of a coordinated effort to dismantle the (UBT) faction from within [1].
“Uddhav Thackeray convened a meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs at Matoshree to discuss organisational matters.”
The meeting highlights the precarious nature of coalition and splinter politics in Maharashtra. By explicitly addressing 'Operation Tiger,' Thackeray is acknowledging a vulnerability to poaching. The reliance on virtual attendance for over half of the MPs suggests a need for rapid coordination to prevent opportunistic defections that could shift the legislative landscape.
