Senior Opposition leaders in Maharashtra on Friday claimed there is a growing “sense of discomfort” within the ruling Shiv Sena despite being in power. However, they dismissed as speculative reports suggesting that a faction of Shiv Sena (UBT) may split and join the camp led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, reported news agency PTI.
The leaders asserted that there is no indication of any major political upheaval in the state in the near future, even as rumours continue to circulate in political circles.
‘Operation Tiger’ Rumours Spark Political Buzz
In recent days, speculation has grown around a purported strategy dubbed ‘Operation Tiger’, allegedly aimed at engineering defections from the Shiv Sena (UBT) into the ruling Sena faction. The reports have triggered widespread discussion, though no concrete evidence has emerged to support the claims, reported PTI.
Responding to these rumours, Eknath Shinde termed them “baseless” and accused those spreading such narratives of attempting to create unnecessary sensation in the political landscape.
Congress Leader Downplays Possibility of Realignment
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar said that while there may be internal unease within the ruling party, it does not necessarily point towards any imminent political shift, reported PTI.
“Despite being in power, there appears to be some discomfort within the Shiv Sena, including among senior leaders and ministers,” he said, reported PTI.
Addressing reports of a supposed meeting between Shinde and Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray faction, Wadettiwar said such interactions should not be overinterpreted. He noted that MPs often meet ruling leaders for constituency-related development work, and such meetings do not automatically signal political realignment, reported PTI.
NCP (SP) Questions Credibility of ‘Operation Tiger’
Echoing similar sentiments, NCP (SP) leader and former home minister Anil Deshmukh dismissed the very existence of ‘Operation Tiger’, calling it speculative, reported PTI.
He asserted that MPs belonging to the Shiv Sena (UBT) remain united and continue to firmly support Uddhav Thackeray. Given this unity, Deshmukh said, the chances of any major split or political upheaval appear minimal at present.
Background: 2022 Split Still Shapes State Politics
The political backdrop of Maharashtra continues to be influenced by the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, which resulted in a split within the Shiv Sena. Shinde, along with a group of MLAs, broke away from Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership and later secured control over the party name and its iconic bow-and-arrow symbol.
Currently, the Shiv Sena (UBT) holds 10 Members of Parliament, including nine in the Lok Sabha and one in the Rajya Sabha.
Despite ongoing speculation, Opposition leaders maintain that the political situation remains stable for now, with no immediate signs of large-scale defections or realignments.
(With inputs from PTI)
