Eknath Shinde has launched "Operation Tiger" to engineer a split in the Shiv Sena by encouraging defections from the rival UBT faction [1].
This move threatens to further destabilize the political landscape in Maharashtra by weakening the influence of Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray. By targeting high-level lawmakers, Shinde aims to consolidate his own political power and marginalize the opposition following the 2024 Maharashtra state elections [1].
The strategy centers on the recruitment of six breakaway Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs [2]. These lawmakers are being coaxed into Shinde's camp to diminish the legislative strength of the Thackeray-led faction [1]. However, the success of the operation remains a point of contention; reports indicate that these six MPs did not attend the foundation day program organized by the Sena [2].
Shinde has framed this political maneuver as the beginning of a larger strategy. "This is just trailer, see what all will happen," Shinde said [2].
The ripples of this internal party conflict are not limited to Maharashtra. Political observers have noted the effects of these shifts reaching as far as West Bengal [1]. The operation represents a calculated effort to dismantle the UBT faction's cohesion by peeling away its most influential members [1].
Shinde's approach relies on creating a visible show of strength to entice further defections. By securing the loyalty of key MPs, he hopes to establish his faction as the sole legitimate successor to the original party's legacy [1].
“"This is just trailer, see what all will happen"”
The launch of Operation Tiger signals a shift from electoral competition to tactical attrition within the Shiv Sena. By targeting specific members of parliament, Shinde is attempting to create a domino effect of defections that could leave the UBT faction without enough legislative leverage to challenge his authority. The outcome of this split will likely determine the stability of the regional government, and the long-term viability of the Thackeray political brand in Maharashtra.
