Neha Purav | Mumbai

The political landscape in Maharashtra is witnessing a fresh round of instability as the so-called ‘Operation Tiger’ has reportedly gained significant momentum, potentially creating turbulence within the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) camp.

The operation, according to sources, is reportedly targeting the faction, with insiders claiming that the strategy has been finalised at the highest levels in Delhi, adding a new layer of intrigue to the state’s already fluid political equations.

According to highly placed sources, the strategy aimed to break the Thackeray faction has been finalized in the national capital, with the latest developments being closely linked to Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s recent visit to Delhi.

Reliable sources suggest that a highly confidential meeting took place in Delhi on June 7, which was allegedly attended by seven out of the nine MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. The meeting, held at the residence of a union Minister, was reportedly overseen by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde. Insiders claim that Dr. Shrikant Shinde has been working behind the scenes for the past six months to establish contact with these legislators and has been successful in persuading them to switch sides.

The alleged plan involves offering key positions, including berths in the union Cabinet, to influential MPs in exchange for their support.

Reports indicate that a prominent leader from the Marathwada region is at the forefront of this potential defection. Sources further claim that barring two MPs from Mumbai, the remaining seven are prepared to go ‘not reachable’ and align with the Shinde-led camp at any moment.

The gravity of the situation was underscored by Deputy Chief Minister Shinde’s meeting with union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, which is being viewed as a formal seal of approval from the central leadership for the operation.
These political developments have triggered a state of anxiety at ‘Matoshree,’ the residence of Uddhav Thackeray. With a cabinet expansion on the horizon, this potential rebellion is seen as a major setback for the Thackeray faction. Conversely, the inclusion of Dr. Shrikant Shinde’s name in the discourse surrounding the upcoming cabinet expansion has sparked enthusiasm among the workers of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Political observers in the state are now closely watching the unfolding situation to see if this ‘political wildfire’ manifests into a full-scale defection and how the Thackeray faction plans to counter this existential challenge.

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