Operation Tiger Roars: 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Skip Key Meet Amid Defection Buzz
Operation Tiger Roars: 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Skip Key Meet Amid Defection Buzz
Maharashtra's political scene is buzzing! Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs missed a crucial Delhi meeting, sparking intense speculation of a major switch to the Eknath Shinde faction. Is 'Operation Tiger' poised to redefine state
A political earthquake is shaking the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs reportedly skipped a mandatory parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi. This absence has ignited a storm of speculation, fueling claims that these MPs are poised to defect to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, under what has been dubbed 'Operation Tiger'.
The buzz gained significant momentum after Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed that these six MPs have expressed confidence in Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and have already aligned with his camp. While there has been no official confirmation from the MPs themselves, the non-attendance at such a crucial gathering, especially after a whip was issued, has sent shockwaves through the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.
Sources suggest the rebel MPs cited ideological deviations and fears of a potential merger with the Congress as reasons for their dissatisfaction. They are reportedly preparing to formally join the Shinde camp as early as next week. The Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership has warned of strict disciplinary and legal action against the absent members, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
This development is a stark reminder of the deep-seated political divide that emerged in 2022 when Eknath Shinde, backed by a large number of MLAs, rebelled against Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, leading to the original split in the party. The Election Commission subsequently recognized the Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena, allotting it the iconic ‘bow and arrow’ symbol, while Thackeray’s group became Shiv Sena (UBT).
The Congress party has weighed in, accusing the BJP of orchestrating these defections for political gain, further escalating the tensions. As both Shiv Sena factions prepare to assert their political strength on the party's foundation day, the unfolding 'Operation Tiger' is set to keep Maharashtra politics firmly in the spotlight in the coming days, with potential long-term implications for the state's political landscape.
