Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday declared “Operation Tiger” a success after two Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs confirmed that they would join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The term “Operation Tiger” is being used for the Shinde camp’s efforts to bring leaders from Uddhav Thackeray’s faction into its fold and strengthen its position in Parliament.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis used a cricket analogy and said, “Operation is successful. Body is also healthy,” referring to the ongoing defections from the Uddhav Thackeray camp.
The statement came after Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar announced their decision to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Reacting to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray launched a sharp attack on the BJP, the Shinde faction and the rebel MPs. He said there is “only one Shiv Sena” and apologised to voters for choosing the leaders who have now decided to leave.
“People elected them because of Shiv Sena and the torch symbol. I apologise to the people for that mistake,” Thackeray said.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also hinted that more leaders could soon join his camp. He said, “You will get breaking news soon. We do not carry out half-finished operations. Whatever we do is foolproof.”
According to sources, six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are expected to join the Shinde-led faction. Apart from Ashtikar and Nimbalkar, the other MPs are Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Sanjay Dina Patil.
All six had skipped the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting held in Delhi on June 17, which had sparked speculation about their future.
The move is being seen as another setback for Uddhav Thackeray, whose party suffered a major defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly elections. It is also the biggest challenge for the party since the 2022 split led by Eknath Shinde, which resulted in the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government.
Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs. Under the anti-defection law, at least six MPs need to switch together to avoid disqualification. If that happens, the party’s strength in the Lok Sabha will come down to just three MPs.
Explaining his decision, Omraje Nimbalkar said he consulted his supporters before taking the step. He said a lack of development funds and the difficulties of being in the opposition influenced his decision.
Nagesh Patil Ashtikar also said that comments made against some MPs after June 18 made them rethink their future in the party. Though he did not directly name anyone, his remarks appeared to target Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut.
He said that remaining in the opposition had limited development work in his constituency and added that he had no personal differences with either Uddhav Thackeray or Sanjay Raut.
Addressing party workers, Uddhav Thackeray said he would personally visit areas where “betrayal” had taken place and apologise to voters. He accused the BJP of repeatedly trying to weaken Shiv Sena and claimed his party had once helped the BJP grow when it had very little support.
“There is only one Shiv Sena, and it belongs to me, to us, and to Balasaheb,” Thackeray said.
He also attacked the Shinde camp, saying loyal workers cannot be bought or borrowed.
The latest developments have intensified the political battle within the Shiv Sena and could further reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape in the coming days.
