Maharashtra political crisis -

What next for Uddhav Thackeray?

DN News Network — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 08:53:22 +0530

By Vibha Sharma

In politics, it can never really be an endgame. So, are the devastating developments in Shiv Sena (UBT) the end of the road for party chief Uddhav Thackeray—the son of the man who started it all six decades ago, the late Balasaheb Thackeray?

Considered an introverted politician, especially when compared to the aggressive line followed by the "original" Shiv Sena and his father, many believe that the "humble and modest" Uddhav was perhaps never really cut out for cutthroat politics. For much of his early life, he remained out of the spotlight, preferring wildlife and aerial photography over public life.

His cousin Raj Thackeray was widely seen as more of a chip off the old block, resembling Balasaheb Thackeray in temperament and political style.

Uddhav took control of the party in January 2013 after the death of his father and also inherited the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance—one of the oldest and most enduring ideological coalitions in Indian politics, spanning three decades before its collapse in 2019 over power-sharing issues between the two.

Observers say breaking up with the BJP was perhaps Uddhav's biggest mistake.

After breaking up with the BJP, he formed the Maha Vikas Aghadi government with the Congress and the NCP to become the Chief Minister of Maharashtra —a decision that reshaped Maharashtra politics and the fortunes of his party. But since the first split in 2022, when he lost the government, MLAs, and the "Bow and Arrow" party symbol to Eknath Shinde, he has been battling a perception war over who carries the Balasaheb's legacy.

Observers say more than when leaders like Chhagan Bhujbal, Narayan Rane, or Raj Thackeray left, what hurt Uddhav most was when Shinde jumped ship to become Chief Minister with the support of the BJP and, later, the breakaway faction of Sharad Pawar's NCP. Unlike earlier departures led by individual leaders, the Shinde revolt directly challenged his leadership and the party's political future.

On Monday, Shinde dealt another devastating blow, taking away six of Uddhav's nine Lok Sabha MPs. With rumblings also among Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs and no control over local bodies, especially the BMC, observers say Uddhav's uncertain future now depends on how he navigates the upcoming electoral battles with a shrinking support base.

His immediate challenge will be whether he can rally remaining supporters, reinvent the party's grassroots outreach, and show that he still holds the Thackeray legacy. "Despite losing the party name and symbol to Shinde, Uddhav and son Aaditya Thackeray still hold the Thackeray surname, which may hold some emotional value among Shiv Sena supporters," they say. There may also be a sympathy factor favouring him, but will that hold given the sharp politics of rivals BJP and Shinde? That remains to be seen.

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Maharashtra's Political Decay: How Defection Politics Is Consuming Democracy

DN News Network — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:48:21 +0530

By Milind Pol, Tasgaon

The question increasingly troubling ordinary citizens today is: Where exactly is Maharashtra's politics headed? Political disagreements, electoral contests, shifts in power, and ideological battles are natural components of a healthy democracy. However, the developments of the past few years have raised serious concerns about the very foundations of democratic values.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar once famously remarked, "Politics is a dirty game." Many may have dismissed the statement as a casual observation, but recent events have made the underlying truth of those words far more evident. Political competition, ideological conviction, and public service appear to be giving way to a culture where power is pursued at any cost.

Maharashtra has long been known as a land of ideas, social reform, and dignified political traditions. The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Swarajya, Mahatma Phule's social revolution, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj's progressive governance, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of equality shaped a political culture rooted in principles and ideology. Political parties differed, leaders clashed, and opinions diverged, but there were values, boundaries, and convictions that guided public life.

Today, however, those distinctions seem increasingly blurred. Political ideology often appears secondary to immediate calculations of power. Leaders who were yesterday accused of corruption, misgovernance, or betraying public trust suddenly become symbols of development and integrity the moment they switch sides. Fierce opponents become allies overnight, while former allies transform into political enemies with equal speed.

For the average voter, such developments are both confusing and disheartening. Citizens cast their votes based on party ideologies, declared policies, and the promises made by political leaders. Yet the post-election realignments often leave them wondering whether their vote, their trust, and their expectations carry any meaning at all.

Particularly troubling is the growing culture of political engineering through defections and party splits. This was never a defining feature of Maharashtra's political tradition. Political disagreements existed, but systematically weakening opponents by breaking parties, inducing elected representatives to switch loyalties, and using political power to undermine rivals was not considered acceptable political conduct. Maharashtra witnessed fierce electoral battles, victories, and defeats, but the contest was largely one of ideas rather than organized efforts to dismantle political opponents.

The greatest victims of this trend are often grassroots party workers. Many dedicate years, sometimes decades, to a particular ideology, organization, and leadership. They make sacrifices, engage with communities, and defend their party's position in public. Yet they frequently find themselves working alongside individuals whom they once opposed politically and who, after crossing over, are rewarded with prestigious positions. Such circumstances inevitably raise questions about the value of loyalty and commitment.

The growing unease among citizens is therefore not merely dissatisfaction with one political party or another. It reflects a deeper anxiety about the state of democracy itself. Democracy is not merely about holding elections. It is built upon public trust, respect for commitments, adherence to ethical standards, and the sanctity of the people's mandate.

History repeatedly reminds us that no political power is permanent. Many empires were built upon wealth, influence, and overwhelming authority, yet few survived the test of time. Even Ravana, blessed with immense power and divine boons, ultimately fell because of his arrogance. His golden kingdom was reduced to ashes. The lesson remains relevant: public sentiment and the judgment of history are often stronger than political power.

This is why many citizens today are increasingly concerned. Rising unemployment, widening economic inequality, growing political opportunism, and declining trust in democratic institutions are creating layers of public frustration. If these grievances converge, the consequences could be significant. History across the world has shown that public anger, when ignored for too long, can trigger profound political transformations.

Both those in power and those in opposition would do well to recognize this reality. The true strength of democracy does not lie in the corridors of power but in the confidence people place in the system. When citizens begin to feel that their vote, their aspirations, and their trust are repeatedly disregarded, democracy itself faces a serious challenge.

Maharashtra today does not need new political slogans or yet another political formation. What it needs is political honesty, ideological commitment, respect for public promises, and above all, recognition that democracy is greater than any individual leader or government.

Maharashtra is not merely a laboratory for political experiments. It is the land of saints, social reformers, intellectuals, and a proud democratic heritage. It has elevated many leaders to positions of power, but it has also demonstrated the ability to hold them accountable when necessary.

Governments change. Parties split and merge. Political faces and slogans evolve. But once public trust is broken, rebuilding it becomes extraordinarily difficult.

The most important question today is not who occupies the seat of power. The real question is: Who will step forward to preserve the values, principles, and ethical foundations that once defined Maharashtra's politics?

Even if that answer is not found today, history will undoubtedly demand it tomorrow.

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Politics Now : “Operation Tiger” : What Democratic Future Is Hidden Behind the Magic Number 362?

Prof. Ujjwal K Chowdhury — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:53:40 +0530

By Prof Ujjwal K Chowdhury

The hottest phrase in Indian politics right now is “Operation Tiger.” The goal is simple: secure 362 seats in the Lok Sabha, the two-thirds majority mark. But why this number? What agenda requires such overwhelming parliamentary strength? And more importantly, will this agenda benefit India's 1.4 billion people—or harm them? That question remains unanswered.

Let's break down the debate point by point.

1. What Exactly Is “Operation Tiger”?

The game reportedly began in West Bengal. A group of Trinamool Congress MPs was allegedly being encouraged to move into a little-known outfit called the Nationalist Citizen Party of India (NCP-I).

The next battleground appeared to be Maharashtra, where sections of Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena were said to be under pressure. Sharad Pawar's camp is widely rumored to be another target.

Now the focus has shifted to Uttar Pradesh. The formula is straightforward: move MPs from larger opposition parties into smaller, friendly outfits and gradually increase the ruling coalition's numbers.

2. Who Are the Key Players in Uttar Pradesh?

Two names frequently discussed in political circles are Om Prakash Rajbhar and Sanjay Nishad. There is also speculation about possible roles for Anupriya Patel and Jayant Chaudhary.

The primary target is believed to be the Samajwadi Party (SP), currently the third-largest party in the Lok Sabha with 37 MPs. Under anti-defection laws, at least 25 MPs—two-thirds of the parliamentary party—would be needed for a split to be legally viable.

The obvious question: can that number really be achieved?

3. Why the Sudden Interest in the Samajwadi Party?

The NDA currently has around 293–300 seats. With support from parties like YSRCP and some independents, it could touch the 300 mark.

If significant support comes from Trinamool Congress MPs, the tally could move closer to 320.

Additional support from factions linked to Uddhav Thackeray and Sharad Pawar could push the number toward 335.

That still leaves a gap of roughly 27 seats before reaching the magic figure of 362. According to this theory, breaking the Samajwadi Party becomes almost essential.

4. The DMK and the Southern Puzzle

Some political observers believed that if Congress aligned with actor-politician Thalapathy Vijay's TVK, the DMK might move closer to the NDA.

That never happened.

The reason is believed to be the contentious issue of delimitation. The DMK has strongly opposed any move that could reduce southern India's parliamentary influence while increasing the weight of more populous northern states.

Thus, even if differences emerge between the DMK and Congress, that does not automatically translate into support for the BJP.

5. Why Isn't Congress the Target?

Congress has 98 MPs. Splitting the party would require about 66 MPs, an extraordinarily difficult task. Most Congress MPs are concentrated in southern India and Punjab—regions where the BJP faces stronger resistance.

The delimitation debate has also strengthened anti-BJP sentiment in parts of the South, making such a move even less realistic.

6. What Is the Going Price of Political Defections?

Political allegations have produced startling figures. In Bengal, MP Kirti Azad reportedly alleged that MPs were being offered ₹5 crore. In Maharashtra, Sanjay Raut claimed offers ranged between ₹15–20 crore, while some political insiders have suggested figures as high as ₹50 crore. In Uttar Pradesh, rumors have even touched the ₹100 crore mark.

Whether true or exaggerated, the question resonates loudly: Has democracy become a marketplace where elected representatives are commodities?

7. Why Is Breaking the Samajwadi Party So Difficult?

Unlike some other political formations, many SP leaders come from long-established socialist backgrounds and are not viewed as politically vulnerable through financial pressure alone. The party's PDA coalition—backward classes, Dalits, minorities, and allied caste groups—provides a strong grassroots base. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, political veterans often say: "Money follows power, not the other way around." With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, many leaders may see greater value in preserving their political future than accepting short-term incentive

8. Why the Urgency?

Critics argue that several developments have increased pressure on the ruling establishment. Rahul Gandhi's outreach to students, particularly his criticism of what he calls a "rejection system" rather than a "selection system," has resonated with sections of the youth.

Questions around the Constitution, reservations, unemployment, and social justice are also spreading beyond traditional opposition constituencies.

History offers another lesson: even after the major delimitation exercise of the 1970s, Indira Gandhi still lost power. Simply changing electoral arithmetic does not guarantee political success.

9. The BJP's Internal Power Struggles

Political observers also point to internal calculations within the BJP. There is speculation about bringing Devendra Fadnavis into the BJP's Central Parliamentary Board. Some note that Narendra Modi entered the board in 2013 before becoming the party's prime ministerial candidate. If Fadnavis rises further, it could alter internal equations involving Amit Shah and Yogi Adityanath.

Another theory suggests that if the BJP performs poorly in Uttar Pradesh, the influence of the Gujarat leadership could weaken, potentially benefiting Yogi Adityanath's future ambitions. These are, of course, political interpretations rather than established facts.

10. Final Question: Democracy or a Marketplace for Legislators?

If politics becomes a constant exercise in engineering defections, what happens to the voters who elected those representatives? If 788 MPs cannot adequately solve the country's problems, will 1,200 or even 2,000 MPs make governance better—or simply more expensive?

Critics argue that New Delhi increasingly resembles a capital driven by political ambition, ego, and strategic intrigue. Their fear is that weakening the opposition and consolidating numbers could pave the way for an early election and a longer hold on power. Whether these fears are justified or exaggerated remains a matter of political debate. But one question continues to hover over Indian democracy: Is the race to 362 about better governance—or about reshaping the political system itself?

That is a question every citizen will have to answer.

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Setback for Uddhav Thackeray Camp? Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Reportedly Plan Split

DN News Network — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:07:52 +0530

New Delhi / Mumbai

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) appeared headed for another political crisis on Wednesday as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly seeking to form a separate parliamentary group, triggering concerns over a possible another split within the party after the one happened in 2022.

The development, dubbed "Operation Tiger" in political circles, sparked intense activity in Parliament as Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders moved swiftly to counter any attempt to secure official recognition for a breakaway faction.

Amid mounting pressure , a flurry of activity was witnessed in the Parliament House on Wednesday. Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and Lok Sabha MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, held a high-level meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to register their protest against any potencial political recognition of a breakaway faction.

In a formal communication to the Speaker, the party leadership has asserted that the Shiv Sena (UBT) remains a unified political entity. Parliamentary party leader Arvind Sawant underscored that the authority to appoint the whip and steer legislative conduct remains rests with the parent political party and not with individual legislators or a legislature party acting independently.

Escalating the political confrontation, Raut alleged that attempts were being made to engineer defections through "financial inducements," though he did not provide evidence to support the claim.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a formal whip, directing all its MPs to attend a crucial parliamentary party meeting scheduled for Thursday morning in New Delhi. The party has cautioned that failure to comply with the directive may invite disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

With reports suggesting that the alleged "Operation Tiger" could culminate around the party's foundation day on June 19, Political observers are now keenly watching the Speaker's office for any procedural developments while the UBT camp intensifies its efforts to maintain internal cohesion..

The reported rebellion, if it materialises, would deal a significant blow to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party has already faced major defections since the split led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in 2022.

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Operation Tiger Roars in Maharashtra: 7 Uddhav Thackeray Camp MPs Likely to Join Shinde Sena

DN News Network — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 18:54:17 +0530

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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