Six members of parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have joined the faction led by Eknath Shinde [1].

This shift threatens to dismantle the political foundation of the UBT faction and consolidates power for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Maharashtra. The movement marks a critical escalation in the struggle for the legacy and leadership of the Shiv Sena party.

The strategic maneuver has been referred to as “Operation Tiger” [1, 2]. This effort by Shinde aims to secure political dominance in the state following recent Maharashtra elections [2, 3]. By drawing lawmakers away from the UBT camp, Shinde seeks to weaken the opposition's ability to challenge his leadership.

Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde lead rival factions of the party, both claiming to be the rightful heirs to the Shiv Sena's ideological roots [2, 3]. The defection of these six MPs [1] represents a significant blow to Thackeray's influence within the legislature.

Thackeray said he is ready to quit as his faction faces this new wave of rebellion [3]. The instability within the party reflects a broader pattern of political volatility in Maharashtra, where party splits and shifting alliances are common.

Shinde's camp continues to target the UBT structure to ensure a more stable majority for the NDA-backed government [2]. The outcome of this power struggle will determine which leader controls the party's official symbols and resources in the coming months.

“Six members of parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have joined the faction led by Eknath Shinde.”

The defection of six MPs suggests a systemic collapse of loyalty within the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, potentially leaving Uddhav Thackeray without a viable legislative platform. If the NDA-backed faction successfully absorbs these members, it will likely neutralize the UBT as a primary opposition force in Maharashtra, effectively ending the dynasty-based leadership of the Thackeray family in favor of Shinde's coalition.