Mumbai: Maharashtra politics witnessed a fresh wave of turbulence after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared the much-discussed “Operation Tiger” a success, following the decision of two Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis celebrated the defections, stating, “Operation is successful. Body is also healthy,” indicating that the efforts to attract leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray camp had yielded results.
The comments came after Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar, both elected on Shiv Sena (UBT) tickets, publicly confirmed their decision to switch allegiance to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. According to sources, the two leaders are among six MPs expected to formally join the ruling faction, a move that could significantly alter the political balance within the party.
What is ‘Operation Tiger’?
“Operation Tiger” is the term widely used for the Shinde camp’s alleged strategy to bring legislators and parliamentarians from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) into its fold. The name is symbolic, drawing from the tiger emblem historically associated with the undivided Shiv Sena founded by Bal Thackeray.
The operation is viewed as part of the continuing struggle between the two rival factions that emerged after Eknath Shinde led a major rebellion in 2022, resulting in the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government and the split of the original Shiv Sena.
More Defections Likely
Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde suggested that more defections could be imminent. “You will get breaking news soon. We do not execute half-baked operations. Whatever we do is foolproof,” he said, hinting at additional political developments in the coming days.
Sources indicated that besides Ashtikar and Nimbalkar, MPs Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, and Sanjay Dina Patil are also likely to join the Shinde-led Sena. All six MPs had earlier skipped a Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi on June 17, fuelling speculation about their future political plans.
The potential defection of six MPs carries significant legal implications. Under the anti-defection law, a group comprising at least two-thirds of a party’s elected members can avoid disqualification. Since Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs, the defection of six MPs together could satisfy this requirement and leave Uddhav Thackeray’s faction with only three MPs in the Lower House.
Reasons Behind the Exit
The rebel MPs cited developmental concerns and difficulties faced while sitting in the opposition as major reasons for their decision.
Omraje Nimbalkar stated that he took the decision after consulting supporters in his constituency. He claimed that a shortage of development funds had restricted his ability to address public issues and execute projects in Dharashiv.
“The lack of funds was affecting development work and the expectations of the people who elected us,” he indicated while explaining his move.
Shinde also defended Nimbalkar, saying the MP had endured significant emotional stress while awaiting a verdict in his father’s alleged murder case. According to Shinde, despite those personal challenges, Nimbalkar faced criticism and abuse from leaders within the Uddhav camp.
Nagesh Patil Ashtikar similarly pointed to the challenges of functioning in the opposition and referred to comments made by certain party leaders after June 18 as a key factor influencing his decision. While he clarified that he held no personal grievances against Uddhav Thackeray or Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, he suggested that the atmosphere within the party had become increasingly difficult.
Uddhav Thackeray Hits Back
The defections triggered a strong response from Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, who launched a sharp attack on the BJP, the Shinde faction and the rebel MPs during a rally in Mumbai’s Bhandup area.
Addressing party workers, Thackeray asserted that there was “only one Shiv Sena” and that it belonged to him, his supporters and the legacy of Bal Thackeray.
He accused the BJP of repeatedly attempting to weaken and divide the Shiv Sena, claiming that the party had once helped the BJP grow when it had limited political influence. Thackeray also apologised to voters for selecting leaders who later chose to switch sides.
“People elected them because of Shiv Sena and the torch symbol. They were chosen as candidates, and I apologise to you for that mistake,” he said.
The former Chief Minister further alleged that the BJP had betrayed commitments made to Shiv Sena and sought to undermine the party from within. He praised loyal party workers and insisted that political positions and symbols could be copied, but dedication and loyalty could not.
