Shiv Sena Split Again? ‘Operation Tiger’ raises questions over MP loyalty in Maharashtra

Shiv Sena (UBT) faces fresh crisis as ‘Operation Tiger’ sparks defection buzz, with MPs and MLAs reportedly in touch with Eknath Shinde camp, prompting Uddhav Thackeray to call urgent party meetings in Mumbai

Post Published By: Donika Singh

Updated : 16 June 2026, 3:32 PM IST

Shiv Sena (UBT) Faces Fresh Turmoil Amid ‘Operation Tiger’ Speculation (Img Internet)

Mumbai: After recent internal turbulence within the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, political attention has now shifted to Maharashtra. The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) is reportedly facing renewed instability, with growing speculation of a large-scale defection within the party ranks.

‘Operation Tiger’ Sparks Defection Buzz

According to political sources, a development informally referred to as “Operation Tiger” is underway. Reports suggest that as many as seven out of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs are allegedly in contact with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. These MPs may reportedly consider switching allegiance to the Shinde-led faction in the near future.

MLAs Also Under Watch

Beyond MPs, several Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs are also believed to be in communication with the Shinde camp. This has intensified concerns within the Uddhav Thackeray faction about a possible wave of defections that could weaken the party’s organisational strength in Maharashtra politics.

Deepak Kesarkar Fuels Speculation

Senior Shiv Sena leader and former Maharashtra minister Deepak Kesarkar added further weight to the speculation. He suggested that some elected representatives are inclined towards Eknath Shinde due to his governance style and development-focused approach.

Kesarkar also stated that many leaders remain aligned with the ideology of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray and hold confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. According to him, this ideological alignment is influencing their political decisions more than party lines.

Uddhav Thackeray Responds with Strategy Meetings

Amid rising uncertainty, Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly called a meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs. Earlier, he also held discussions with party MPs to assess the situation. A key meeting of all MLAs has been scheduled for June 22 at 4:00 PM at the party office Shivalay in Mumbai.

Internal Outreach Efforts Continue

Sources also claim that Thackeray and senior leader Sanjay Raut have been reaching out to party members in an attempt to prevent further defections. However, political observers suggest that the situation remains fluid as Maharashtra’s power dynamics continue to evolve.