Uddhav Thackeray has summoned Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators for a meeting in Mumbai on June 22 [1].

The gathering comes as the party faces intensifying rumors of internal instability and potential defections. If a significant number of lawmakers leave the party, it could shift the legislative balance in Maharashtra and weaken Thackeray's political standing.

The summons follows reports of a strategic effort by the rival Shinde faction to recruit members of the UBT wing. This drive has been referred to as "Operation Tiger" [1, 2]. The alleged operation specifically targets members of parliament and members of the legislative assembly within the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp [1, 2].

Political observers said the current atmosphere within the party is a leadership crisis fueled by the defection buzz [2]. By calling the meeting, Thackeray aims to consolidate his legislators and neutralize the influence of the rival faction's recruitment efforts.

The move highlights the ongoing volatility of Maharashtra's political landscape, where party splits and floor-crossing have become common. The meeting on June 22 [1] serves as a critical checkpoint for the party to assess its loyalty and strength before further maneuvers by the Shinde faction can take hold.

“Uddhav Thackeray has summoned Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators for a meeting in Mumbai on June 22”

This development underscores the fragile nature of party loyalty in Maharashtra's legislative environment. The alleged 'Operation Tiger' represents a tactical attempt by the Shinde faction to hollow out the UBT wing's numbers, which could potentially lead to a loss of official party recognition or a diminished role in the state's political coalition if the defections are successful.