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Saamana attacks Amit Shah, BJP and Eknath Shinde over real Shiv Sena remark as six Shiv Sena UBT MPs plan to join Shinde camp, Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray hit back
Saamana Targets Amit Shah, BJP and Eknath Shinde in Explosive Editorial.
Amid speculation over a possible split in the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party under the banner of ‘Operation Tiger’, the party mouthpiece Saamana on Monday launched a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the BJP and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The editorial comes at a time when Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is facing a major political challenge, with six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs reportedly preparing to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Amit Shah’s ‘real Shiv Sena’ remark
In its editorial, Saamana criticised Amit Shah for referring to the Eknath Shinde-led faction as the “real Shiv Sena”. The Uddhav Thackeray camp claimed the remark reflected Shah’s political anxiety and frustration.
The editorial questioned how Shah could decide which faction was the legitimate Shiv Sena when the dispute over the party’s identity and symbol remains pending before the Supreme Court.
It argued that Shah’s comments amounted to pre-judging a matter that is still under judicial consideration.
The editorial also made broader political claims, alleging that Shah appears to be positioning himself for a future bid for the Prime Minister’s post with the support of leaders such as Eknath Shinde. It further suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should remain cautious about Shah’s political ambitions.
Taking the attack further, the UBT faction alleged that Shah, with the help of leaders like Shinde, had sought to weaken the political challenge posed by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
However, all these remarks and allegations were made in the Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana. Neither the BJP nor Amit Shah has issued any official response so far.
Six Sens (UBT) MPs likely to switch camps
The editorial appeared amid reports that six of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha MPs are likely to formally join the Shinde-led faction on Monday.
According to media reports, the MPs are expected to merge with the Shinde camp around 3 pm.
If the move takes place, the group will attain the two-thirds strength required under the anti-defection law, shielding the MPs from disqualification.
Sources in the Shinde faction said photographs and videos of six rebel MPs meeting the Lok Sabha Speaker are likely to be released later in the day. The move is being projected as a sign that ‘Operation Tiger’ has reached its conclusion.
Uddhav hits back at BJP
Responding to Amit Shah’s remarks, Uddhav Thackeray asserted that the Shiv Sena founded by his father, Bal Thackeray, had spent three decades fighting the Congress but never attempted to destroy or take over the party in the manner he alleged the BJP had done.
“Shiv Sena, headed by me, is the only Shiv Sena,” Thackeray said.
Aaditya attacks rebel MPs
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray also launched a strong attack on the rebel MPs.
In a post, he accused them of abandoning the mandate on which they were elected and alleged that they had won with the support of the Maha Vikas Aghadi and INDIA bloc partners.
Addressing the MPs, Aaditya said their actions showed that “their loyalty” and “reputation” were for sale.
He said leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT), the Congress and the NCP had campaigned for them during the Lok Sabha elections and that voters in their constituencies had chosen INDIA bloc candidates over those of the NDA. He alleged that the MPs had deserted that mandate overnight due to greed.
Uddhav convenes legislators’ meeting
Amid the fast-moving political developments, Uddhav Thackeray has convened a key meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs on the opening day of the Maharashtra Legislature’s Monsoon Session.
The meeting is scheduled for 2.30 pm at the party’s Shivalay office in Nariman Point, Mumbai.
All party legislators have been directed to attend as the leadership assesses the fallout of the developments linked to ‘Operation Tiger’.
About the Author
Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen…Read More
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