Fresh Buzz Around ‘Operation Tiger’ as Shiv Sena Leader Hints at More Political Surprises
A day after six Members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) crossed over to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, political circles in Maharashtra are abuzz with speculation over whether the next wave could involve MLAs from the Uddhav Thackeray camp.
While there is no official confirmation of any MLA switching sides, remarks made by Shiv Sena leader Shrikant Shinde have intensified discussions about possible developments in the coming days.
Shrikant Shinde Hints at More Political Moves
Addressing the media after the high-profile induction of six MPs, Shrikant Shinde suggested that the recent defections may only be the beginning of a larger political realignment.
“Explosions after explosions will continue to happen. For the last four years, we have only been creating political shocks. ‘Yeh to bas trailer hai, picture abhi baaki hai’ (This is only the trailer, the main story is yet to unfold),” he said.
His statement has sparked fresh speculation that more leaders could join the Shinde faction, although no names have been officially announced.
MLA Speculation Grows After UBT Meeting Attendance
The speculation has gained momentum amid reports that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs skipped an important meeting convened by party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
Political observers see the absence of some legislators, combined with Shrikant Shinde’s remarks, as fuelling rumours of another round of defections. However, neither the Shinde camp nor the UBT leadership has confirmed any impending switch by MLAs.
‘Operation Tiger’ Back in Spotlight
The latest developments have revived discussions around the Shiv Sena’s reported “Operation Tiger,” an outreach effort believed to be aimed at expanding the Shinde faction by attracting leaders from rival camps.
Welcoming the six MPs into his party, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared, “Now there are not just one, but six tigers here,” signalling what many interpreted as the success of the operation.
The newly inducted MPs are Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav, Bhausaheb Rajaram Wakchaure, Omprakash Bhupalsingh Nimbalkar, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh and Nagesh Bapurao Patil Ashtikar, all of whom officially joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Monday.
Political Pressure Mounts on Uddhav Camp
The entry of six sitting MPs is being viewed as a significant boost for the Shinde faction both in Maharashtra and at the national level. It has also increased political pressure on the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which has been working to retain its organisational strength after the party split.
Aaditya Thackeray Hits Out at Defectors
Reacting strongly to the defections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the MPs of betraying the mandate given by voters.
He argued that the leaders had secured victory because of the collective support of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance and the INDIA bloc, including campaigns led by Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress and NCP leaders.
For now, speculation over possible MLA defections remains just that—speculation. But Shrikant Shinde’s remarks and the ongoing “Operation Tiger” narrative have ensured that Maharashtra’s political landscape remains on high alert for the next possible development.
