Fresh political uncertainty gripped Maharashtra on Wednesday after “Operation Tiger – Just Wait and Watch” posters surfaced across prominent locations in Pune, fuelling speculation about another possible split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT).
The posters appeared as reports emerged suggesting that a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could be preparing to break away from the party and align themselves with the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
While no official announcement has been made by either camp, the posters have become the most visible symbol yet of what political circles are calling “Operation Tiger” an effort to engineer another major realignment within the Shiv Sena.
What is Operation Tiger?
According to media reports, Operation Tiger refers to a plan to facilitate the exit of a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs and MLAs from Uddhav Thackeray’s camp and bring them into the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The operation derives its significance from the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, which resulted in a split in the Shiv Sena and eventually led to the fall of the Uddhav Thackeray government in Maharashtra.
This time, the focus is on the parliamentary wing of the party. Reports suggest that six of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha MPs are supporting the formation of a separate parliamentary group. If the number reaches the two-thirds threshold required under anti-defection provisions, the group could seek legal protection from disqualification.
The objective of the move is to create a recognised separate group within Parliament while simultaneously weakening Uddhav Thackeray’s political and organisational strength ahead of future electoral battles.
Six MPs reportedly seek separate group recognition
The speculation gained momentum after reports emerged that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had submitted a letter seeking recognition as a separate parliamentary group.
According to sources cited in media reports, in-principle approval for the separate group was granted on June 16, afternoon following communication with parliamentary authorities.
The six MPs reportedly associated with the move include:
Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East)
Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv)
Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi)
Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani)
Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli)
Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim)
Reports indicated that after obtaining preliminary recognition, senior Shiv Sena leaders from the Shinde faction travelled to Delhi and held consultations with legal experts regarding the next steps.
The MPs supporting the move are expected to formally present themselves before Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla as part of the process.
Why recognition was crucial
According to reports, obtaining in-principle recognition before any formal split serves several strategic purposes.
First, it potentially weakens the applicability of any whip issued by Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership. Second, it provides legal protection to MPs joining the separate group. Third, it strengthens the argument that the group constitutes a legitimate faction rather than individual defectors.
These legal calculations have become central to the unfolding political battle as both camps prepare for a possible confrontation over anti-defection provisions.
Sensing the possibility of a rebellion, Shiv Sena (UBT) moved quickly to consolidate support.
The party issued a mandatory three-line whip directing all nine of its Lok Sabha MPs to attend an emergency parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi. Chief Whip Anil Desai made it clear that attendance was compulsory.
Reports indicated that disciplinary action, including possible disqualification proceedings, could be considered against MPs who fail to comply with the directive.
The meeting is being viewed as a crucial attempt by the Uddhav camp to assess its actual strength and prevent another organisational split.
MPs converge in Delhi
As political activity intensified, attention shifted from Maharashtra to the national capital.
Several MPs reportedly travelled to Delhi through different routes, adding to the intrigue surrounding the unfolding developments.
According to reports, one MP travelled by road from Hadgaon to Hyderabad before taking a flight to Delhi. Two others reportedly drove to Nanded Airport before boarding a chartered aircraft. Another MP travelled from Mumbai, while one more arrived from Shirdi.
Although each journey may have appeared routine individually, together they fuelled speculation that important political discussions were underway behind the scenes.
Amid mounting speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Rajabhau Waje sought to downplay reports of a rebellion.
Upon arriving in Delhi, the Nashik MP reiterated his support for Uddhav Thackeray and denied having any contact with the Shinde camp.
“I am with Uddhav ji and will remain with him. I have no contacts with anyone else. I have not received any call and no contact has been established with me by Shinde ji,” Waje said.
He also clarified that his visit to Delhi was related to a committee meeting and not any political realignment.
Speaking about a recent emergency meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray, Waje said that while only a handful of leaders attended physically, others joined virtually.
When questioned about reports of MPs breaking away from the party, he said he was not aware of the latest developments and refrained from commenting further.
Echoes of the 2022 rebellion
The developments have revived memories of the 2022 revolt led by Eknath Shinde, which reshaped Maharashtra politics.
That rebellion resulted in the division of the Shiv Sena, the fall of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and a prolonged legal battle over the party’s name and symbol.
Four years later, Uddhav Thackeray now finds himself confronting the possibility of another organisational challenge, this time within his party’s parliamentary wing.
Whether Operation Tiger ultimately results in a formal split or remains a pressure tactic, the coming days are likely to determine whether Shiv Sena (UBT) can retain its MPs or faces another significant setback.
