Rajabhau Waje, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, said he will not defect and remains loyal to party leader Uddhav Thackeray.
The announcement comes as the party faces intense speculation regarding a potential split. If a significant number of lawmakers leave, it could destabilize the party's legislative strength and influence in Maharashtra.
Waje made his comments on Monday following an appearance in Nashik where he shared a stage with leaders from Eknath Shinde's faction [1]. Despite the optics of the meeting, Waje dismissed suggestions that he was negotiating a move to the rival camp. "I am content within my own party," Waje said [1].
The unrest centers on a narrative known as "Operation Tiger," which suggests a coordinated effort to lure members away from the UBT faction. Reports indicate that seven of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are allegedly in touch with Shinde's faction [2]. The party has responded by summoning its MPs to Delhi for a meeting to address these concerns [3].
"I will not defect; I stand with Uddhav Thackeray," Waje said [4].
Other party leaders have also sought to calm the situation. Sanjay Raut said that Operation Tiger is just a rumor and that there is no split in Shiv Sena (UBT) [3]. However, the internal tension is evident in the party's urgent coordination efforts in the capital.
External critics have suggested the party's instability could lead to a total collapse. Sanjay Nirupam said the party could face demise by the year 2029 [5].
Waje's public reaffirmation is intended to dispel rumors of a split and prevent further defections triggered by the Operation Tiger narrative [2, 3].
“"I am content within my own party."”
The tension within Shiv Sena (UBT) reflects the ongoing volatility of Maharashtra's political landscape, where shifting loyalties frequently reshape coalition power. While individual lawmakers like Waje are publicly projecting stability, the reports of widespread contact between MPs and the Shinde faction suggest a fragile internal cohesion. The party's decision to convene MPs in Delhi indicates that the leadership views the threat of defections as a systemic risk rather than isolated rumors.
