Six members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction are reportedly in contact with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp [1].
This potential realignment could signal a significant split in the party and further destabilize the opposition's standing in Maharashtra. If the shift occurs, it would represent a substantial loss of legislative strength for the Uddhav-led faction.
The reported initiative, dubbed "Operation Tiger," involves high-profile figures including Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant, and Anil Desai [1]. These MPs are said to be coordinating a move to shift their allegiance to the Shinde faction [2].
Reports indicate the movement is unfolding on Shiv Sena Foundation Day [1]. As part of the outreach, the MPs reportedly met with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla in Delhi [2].
The scale of the potential exodus is significant given that the Shiv Sena (UBT) currently holds nine MPs in the Lok Sabha [2]. The departure of six members [1] would leave the faction with only three representatives in the lower house.
Analysts said the shift aims to bolster the majority of the Shinde government [1]. The movement also reflects growing internal dissent within the Uddhav-led wing of the party [2].
“Six members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction are reportedly in contact with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp.”
The potential execution of 'Operation Tiger' would fundamentally alter the power dynamics of the Shiv Sena's fractured legacy. By absorbing a majority of the UBT faction's Lok Sabha presence, the Eknath Shinde camp would not only strengthen its legislative grip but also isolate Uddhav Thackeray, potentially rendering his faction a marginal player in both state and national politics.
