'Operation Tiger' Nears Climax as Sena (UBT) Faces Fresh Split Threat

Speculation over a fresh split in the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) intensified on Wednesday as several party MPs arrived in Delhi and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde made a late-night visit to the national capital.

The developments have reignited discussions around the alleged "Operation Tiger", a political move that sources in the Shinde camp claim is nearing completion and could culminate by June 19.

Six MPs May Join Shinde Camp

According to sources, six of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s nine Lok Sabha MPs are preparing to break away from the party and merge with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction in Parliament.

Four MPs are reportedly in Delhi and are expected to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to seek recognition as a separate group in the House.

UBT Cracks the Whip

Amid the speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a whip directing all its MPs to attend an urgent meeting in New Delhi to discuss key political developments.

Sources said the party is considering initiating disqualification proceedings against MPs who fail to attend the meeting.

Arvind Sawant Writes to Speaker

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and MP Arvind Sawant has written to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, urging him not to recognise any breakaway faction within the party.

In his letter, Sawant argued that authority over leadership, whip appointments and legislative conduct rests with the political party and not with individual legislators.

He requested that no decision be taken on any claim by a separate group without first hearing the party's official position.

Anti-Defection Law Key to Political Calculations

Under the anti-defection law, at least two-thirds of a legislature party must support a split to avoid disqualification. In the case of Shiv Sena (UBT), six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs would need to back the move.

Sources claimed that while five MPs were ready to switch sides earlier, the Shinde camp was waiting for the support of a sixth MP to meet the legal threshold.

Omraje Nimbalkar's Stand Under Watch

Sources indicated that Osmanabad MP Omraje Nimbalkar could play a crucial role in the unfolding developments.

The MP is reportedly awaiting a court verdict in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar, scheduled for June 19. According to sources, his decision could determine whether the numbers required for a split are achieved.

Shinde Camp Claims Long-Term Planning

Senior leaders from the Shinde faction and BJP claimed that discussions with some Sena (UBT) MPs have been underway for nearly 18 months.

According to a BJP leader, an earlier proposal to have the MPs join the BJP directly was rejected by the party leadership, which instead preferred that they join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Raut Dismisses Claims, Alleges Horse-Trading

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut dismissed reports of "Operation Tiger", insisting that the party remains united.

In a post on X, Raut alleged that attempts were being made to lure MPs with financial incentives.

"Money, money... all about money. Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered ₹15 crore each tonight to switch sides," he claimed.

Political Battle Ahead of Rebellion Anniversary

The latest developments come just days before the fourth anniversary of Eknath Shinde's 2022 rebellion, which split the Shiv Sena and reshaped Maharashtra politics.

While the Shinde camp remains confident that "Operation Tiger" will succeed before the Monsoon Session of Parliament, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders maintain that their MPs remain loyal to Uddhav Thackeray.

The coming days, particularly June 19, are expected to be crucial in determining whether Maharashtra witnesses yet another major political realignment.