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In June 2022, Eknath Shinde led one of the biggest rebellions in Maharashtra politics when he walked away with majority of Shiv Sena MLAs, bringing down Uddhav’s government
Because the Shiv Sena has already experienced a devastating split once, even rumours of a fresh rebellion are enough to trigger alarm within the organisation. (AI-Generated Image)
It seems to be the season of rebellions. While the political spotlight remains fixed on the dramatic exodus of Trinamool Congress MPs to the NCPI in Bengal, Maharashtra has been gripped by speculation of another possible rebellion.
This time, the focus is on Shiv Sena (UBT), where rumours of an alleged ‘Operation Tiger’ have triggered fears that some of Uddhav Thackeray’s MPs could cross over to the rival Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde.
The buzz became serious enough for Uddhav Thackeray to convene a meeting of all nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs at Matoshree, his Mumbai residence, in an attempt to assess the party’s strength and dispel rumours of an impending split. However, the meeting itself soon became fodder for rumour mills in the state.
What Is ‘Operation Tiger’?
Simply put, the phrase is increasingly being used in Maharashtra’s political circles to describe an alleged effort by the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to engineer defections from the Uddhav camp. Reports have suggested that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have been in contact with leaders from the Shinde faction and that discussions have taken place in Delhi in recent weeks.
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The speculation gained momentum after Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Jadhav claimed that all Sena (UBT) MPs were in touch with Eknath Shinde. Reports also surfaced of confidential meetings involving some MPs from the Thackeray camp.
The Shiv Sena led by Shinde, however, has publicly denied any attempt to break rival parties, dismissing talk of ‘Operation Tiger’ as political speculation. On Tuesday, Sena leader Shaina NC said: “We have no interest in breaking any party. Everyone has seen the popularity of our leader, Eknath Shinde, because he is loyal to the common people and works at the grassroots level. He doesn’t work from home, and the way people are coming and joining the Shiv Sena every day, one thing is clear from that: there is an atmosphere of progress across Maharashtra. So, there is no Operation Tiger, but rather Operation Progress.”
Why Is Uddhav Worried?
Uddhav is no stranger to rebellions.
In June 2022, Shinde led one of the biggest rebellions in Maharashtra politics when he walked away with the majority of Shiv Sena MLAs, bringing down the government headed by Uddhav Thackeray. The revolt eventually split the Shiv Sena into two rival factions and led to a prolonged legal and political battle over the party name and symbol.
The Election Commission later recognised the Shinde faction as the official Shiv Sena and allotted it the party’s traditional bow-and-arrow symbol, leaving Uddhav’s camp to operate as Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray).
Because the party has already experienced a devastating split once, even rumours of a fresh rebellion are enough to trigger alarm within the organisation.
What Triggered The Latest Crisis?
The immediate trigger was the attendance pattern at the Matoshree meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray.
According to Indian Express, only four MPs attended physically, while four others joined virtually and one MP later spoke to Thackeray over the phone. The fact that several MPs did not attend in person fuelled speculation that dissatisfaction may be brewing within the parliamentary wing.
The rumours intensified further when Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh, who had skipped the meeting, was later seen meeting Union Minister Pratap Jadhav from the Shinde camp in New Delhi. The meeting immediately sparked fresh questions about whether some MPs were exploring political options outside the Uddhav camp.
What Is The Party Saying?
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have strongly denied any split.
Senior leader Sanjay Raut has repeatedly asserted that all nine Lok Sabha MPs remain with the party. The party maintains that every MP either attended physically, joined virtually or participated through phone calls, though the party shared no proof of the MPs’ virtual attendance.
At the meeting, Uddhav reportedly asked MPs to publicly reject rumours of defection and reassure party workers that there was no imminent split. He also urged leaders to stay connected with grassroots workers and prevent speculation from spreading, The New Indian Express reported.
Party leaders have sought to project unity, arguing that the current buzz is being exaggerated by political rivals.
Could A Defection Actually Happen?
Political observers speaking to The Week said any group of MPs seeking to switch sides would have to navigate anti-defection provisions. Reports have suggested that at least six to seven MPs are allegedly in touch with the Shinde camp, though these claims remain unverified and have been denied by Shiv Sena (UBT).
What is clear is that the Shinde faction has a strong incentive to expand its parliamentary footprint. Additional MPs would strengthen its claim as the inheritor of Bal Thackeray’s political legacy and further marginalise the Uddhav camp.
Why This Matters Beyond Maharashtra
The current episode is about more than nine MPs.
For Uddhav Thackeray, it is a test of whether he can prevent a repeat of the 2022 rebellion that transformed Maharashtra politics. For Eknath Shinde, it is an opportunity to further consolidate control over the Shiv Sena’s political space.
Whether ‘Operation Tiger’ turns out to be a genuine poaching effort or merely political rumour, the fact that Shiv Sena (UBT) felt compelled to publicly count and display its MPs shows one thing clearly: the ghosts of the 2022 split continue to haunt Uddhav Thackeray’s party.
About the Author
Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, …Read More
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