Mumbai, Jul 14

Amid speculation that the "Operation Tiger" strategy could now be replicated in the Nashik Municipal Corporation, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has convened a meeting of the party's corporators from Nashik at his Matoshree residence on Wednesday, in an apparent bid to prevent a possible split. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has 15 corporators in the Nashik civic body.

Political circles are abuzz with claims that around 10 to 12 of them are in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and could switch sides at any time.  If that happens, it could significantly alter the political equations in the corporation. The development comes in the wake of the recent split in the party's Lok Sabha ranks, where six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs first formed a separate group before joining the Shinde faction.

Before that rebellion, Thackeray had called a meeting of the party MPs and issued a whip, but the six MPs skipped the meeting.

Following the parliamentary split, Thackeray held rallies and public meetings in the constituencies of the rebel MPs to retain the support of party workers and office-bearers.

He had also adopted an aggressive stand against the defectors.  Political observers will now be closely watching whether Thackeray's outreach succeeds in preventing a similar rebellion among the Nashik corporators.

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Mumbai, Correspondent

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Maharashtra Chief Spokesperson Navnath Ban on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, alleging that Raut has weakened Aaditya Thackeray's political standing by welcoming former MLA Sachin Ahir's return to the original Shiv Sena.

Ban claimed that Raut's public expression of satisfaction over Ahir's departure from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction suggested a deliberate weakening of Aaditya Thackeray's camp. He further alleged that Raut was aware Aaditya Thackeray could face a tough contest in retaining the Worli Assembly seat in the next Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The BJP leader also accused Raut of repeatedly undermining Uddhav Thackeray's leadership by claiming that the party had failed to identify loyal workers. According to Ban, such statements project Uddhav Thackeray's leadership as weak and are aimed at laying the groundwork for a possible merger of Shiv Sena (UBT) with the Congress.

Responding to Raut's criticism of the BJP, Ban said Raut should refrain from lecturing others on political history, alleging that "betrayal" has become synonymous with the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut.

Praising Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Ban said the Mahayuti government remains focused on accelerating Maharashtra's development and transforming the state into the country's top-performing economy.

On Raut's allegations regarding financial irregularities, Ban asserted that anyone found guilty in the Ram Temple donation controversy would face action in accordance with the law. He also accused the previous Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government of financial mismanagement and demanded accountability from its leaders.

The remarks come amid escalating political exchanges between the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and Shiv Sena (UBT) over recent political developments in Maharashtra.

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MUMBAI, June 29

Maharashtra’s political landscape remains on edge amid continued speculation of a possible fresh split within the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction. Reports suggest that following the recent defection of six Members of Parliament (MPs) to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, efforts may now be underway to consolidate a breakaway group of MLAs in what some political circles are calling “Operation Tiger 3.0.”

Political discussions have intensified over claims that 14 legislators from the Thackeray faction are in advanced talks with the ruling alliance. This number is seen as politically significant, as it would meet the two-thirds threshold of the faction’s total strength of 20 MLAs in the State Assembly, potentially allowing a split under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution and circumvent the provisions of the 10th Schedule of the Constitution (Anti-Defection Law).
The speculation gained momentum after Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil claimed that “Operation Tiger 3.0” had already begun and that 14 MLAs were expected to join the Deputy Chief Minister’s camp.

However, other senior leaders within the Shinde faction, including minister Uday Samant, have officially denied the existence of any such "operation," maintaining that while several opposition MLAs have expressed interest in joining their party out of their own will, no formal 'takeover' bid is being orchestrated.

The Thackeray faction has faced a series of setbacks recently, with six of its Lok Sabha members crossing over to the ruling alliance.' Uddhav Thackeray has since embarked on a state-wide tour to connect with party cadres and reinforce support in the constituencies of the rebel MPs.

Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti coalition views the possible realignments as part of a broader political shift, with some leaders suggesting that legislators are aligning with the party in power to ensure greater access to development funds for their constituencies.

The developments come at a sensitive juncture during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the State Legislature. As political manoeuvring continues behind the scenes, both the ruling alliance and the opposition are closely monitoring proceedings, with analysts suggesting that any formal move by the MLAs would significantly alter the state's power dynamics and further marginalize the opposition's strength in the House.

While official confirmations remain elusive, the atmosphere in Mumbai’s political corridors remains highly volatile as the state awaits clarity on these high-stakes developments.

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Mumbai, Correspondent

Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena (Shinde) president Eknath Shinde today stated in the Maharashtra Assembly that the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena will receive more political shocks shortly. “The strong shock which they (Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena) got has disturbed his (Aaditya Thackeray's) mental balance. They will receive more such shocks very soon,” Shinde said during the monsoon session here, after Aaditya Thackeray became aggressive in the assembly alleging that ministers have not responded to his questions.

Shinde made the statement after it came to light that 3 MLAs and 1 member of Legislative Council (MLC) failed to turn up at a legislative party meeting convened by Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday.

All of them had informed Uddhav Thackeray in advance that they would not be able to attend, citing reasons like preparations for the forthcoming Legislative Council elections, ill health and personal commitments.

The legislators who did not attend the meeting were MLAs Sanjay Derkar, Rahul Patil and Sanjay Potnis, as well as MLC Sunil Shinde.

Meanwhile, according to sources, the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is already working to poach between 30 to 35 Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) corporators from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena.
Sources said that the objective behind engineering the next phase of ‘Operation Tiger’ is to wrest the position of the Leader of Opposition post in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena. If the Shinde-led Sena plan to poach around 35 BMC corporators from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena succeeds, the BJP-led Mahayuti ruling alliance will end up enjoying undisputed domination of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

In a related development, Eknath Shinde MP Ravindra Waikar stated here today that there will be “another earthquake” in Maharashtra politics shortly.

“After ‘Operation Tiger-1’ has become a success, and ‘Operation Tiger-2’ and ‘Operation Tiger-3’ will also happen. Every issue needs to be examined from all sides. It is important to complete the work and things are progressing in the right direction. Every coin has two sides and all aspects need to be considered,” he said.

Significantly, Waikar made his statement, after similar statements by other leaders of his party on Friday (June 19).
Speaking to media persons here on Friday (June 19), Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena leader Amey Ghole had told media persons that around 25 corporators from the Uddhav Thackeray-le Sena “are in touch” with the Eknath Shinde-led Sena. “Around 25 corporators from Uddhav Thackeray's party are in touch with us. An official announcement will be after the number of these corporators reaches 40 or 45,” Ghole had said.

“There is widespread resentment among Uddhav Thackeray's BMC corporators against the party leadership; the top brass neither meets ordinary party workers nor give time to MPs and MLAs. We are not doing anything to break them away. Uddhav Thackeray's corporators themselves come to us,” Ghole had mentioned.

“They (Uddhav Thackeray's BMC corporators) say that they also need Eknath Shinde's leadership. Eknath Shinde meets everyone, talks to them and stands by them. Uddav Thackeray's corporators are very appreciative of this approach. What Uddav Thackeray's MPs did today will be followed by their MLAs and corporators tomorrow. No ‘operation’ has to be conducted for this, the outpatient department (OPD) is enough,” Ghole had stated on Friday.
Separately, Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena MLA Santosh Bangur had told media persons on Friday (June 19) that, “As many as 13 to 14 MLAs from Uddhav Thackeray's party will soon join Eknath Shinde.”

Eknath Shinde leader and Minister for Mining Shambhuraj Desai had also told media persons here on Friday that “All these MLAs are our friends. They express their feelings to us. They will also come with us.”

Shinde Sena MLA Bachchu Kadu had also confirmed it by saying, “After MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's party have come to us, even their MLAs will come to us, after them. Shinde's planning is very systematic and perfect. Eknath Shinde is keeping the legacy of Balasaheb's Shiv Sena alive.”

Speaking to media persons, Bangur had said, “Six months ago, I had said that some MPs from Uddhav Thackeray's party would join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. Today, it actually happened. All six UYddhav Thackeray MPs have come with us, trusting Eknath Shinde’s leadership”.

When asked if more Uddhav Thackeray-led MLAs would join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Bangar told media persons, “Just wait and see what will happen. Whatever you just said, will happen. Around 14 MLAs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena will join Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena in a few days.”

“The Shiv Sena loyal to Bal Thackeray’s ideas is the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. Shinde is taking Maharashtra forward on the path of Hindutva,” Bangur had said.

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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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Mumbai, Correspondent

Maharashtra's political landscape has heated up after six Lok Sabha MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Reacting strongly to the development, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC and senior leader Ambadas Danve accused the rebel MPs of "selling themselves" for political gains and rejected their claim that a lack of development funds forced them to switch sides.

Speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Bhavan complex, Danve alleged that the six MPs had abandoned the party for personal interests rather than ideology. He claimed that the explanation offered by the MPs—that joining the ruling alliance would accelerate development projects in their constituencies—was "false and misleading."

The six MPs who joined the Shinde camp are Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure.

Danve further alleged that an undisclosed deal had taken place between the MPs and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, adding that details of the arrangement would eventually come to light. He also accused the Shinde faction of drifting away from the party's original ideology.

Addressing concerns over the absence of three MLAs from a meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray, Danve said another meeting of the Mahavikas Aghadi alliance had been scheduled and expressed confidence that all legislators would attend, asserting that the opposition bloc remained united.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also commented on reports that the Shinde faction may establish a separate party office. He said the original Shiv Sena Bhavan in Dadar holds unmatched emotional and historical significance for Shiv Sainiks and that no new building could replace its legacy.

Mumbai, Correspondent

Maharashtra's political landscape witnessed fresh turbulence on Sunday as six Members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) were set to formally join Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, dealing another blow to Uddhav Thackeray's camp.

The development comes amid reports of the ongoing "Operation Tiger," a political outreach initiative that has allegedly been underway for over a year to attract leaders from the Thackeray faction into the Shinde camp.

In response to the latest developments, Uddhav Thackeray convened a meeting of party MLAs at Shivalaya in Mumbai to assess the situation and prevent further defections. However, the absence of three MLAs from the meeting sparked fresh speculation about possible cracks within the party ranks.

Political circles were already abuzz over the departure of six MPs, and the absence of the legislators has intensified discussions about whether more leaders could switch sides in the coming days.

Meanwhile, hectic political activity was reported at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's residence, where meetings with the incoming MPs were underway ahead of their formal induction into the Shiv Sena. Sources indicated that senior leaders, MPs, MLAs and local representatives are expected to be present during the joining ceremony, which is likely to be projected as a major show of strength by the Shinde camp.

Security was tightened along key routes in Mumbai amid reports that Shinde and the newly inducted MPs would travel through the area where Thackeray's meeting was being held.

The developments come close on the heels of the Nanded Local Authorities Constituency Legislative Council election, where BJP-Mahayuti candidate Amarnath Rajurkar secured a decisive victory. In a related setback for the opposition bloc, Krishna Nagesh Patil Ashtekar, son of rebel leader Nagesh Patil Ashtekar, suffered a heavy defeat in the contest.

With the Shiv Sena (UBT) already grappling with the loss of several senior leaders over the past few years, the latest defections could further complicate Thackeray's efforts to consolidate the party ahead of upcoming political battles in Maharashtra.

New Delhi / Mumbai

Sources close to Shrikant Shinde, leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said about six “rebel” Sena (UBT) MPs are already in Delhi.

Even as speculation grows over a possible split within the Shiv Sena (UBT), with six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs reportedly preparing to approach Speaker Om Birla for separate recognition, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party has issued a whip directing all its lawmakers to attend a parliamentary party meeting Thursday.

Sena (UBT) leader Anil Desai told reporters in Delhi that all MPs had expressed support for the party at a June 14 meeting, but added that they needed to remain cautious amid reports circulating in the media and on social platforms.

Desai said the party has submitted a memorandum to the Speaker and that the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party would meet Thursday.

However, a clear picture will emerge only after the rebel MPs meet the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Meanwhile, Sena (UBT) MP Bhausahab Wakchaure told reporters he had not been contacted by anyone from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and would continue to support Uddhav Thackeray.

‘Apna Sapna Money Money’

While Desai said that the Sena (UBT) has faith in its MPs, party leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the lawmakers were being offered Rs. 50 crore to shift sides.

“Apna Sapna Money Money! …The Minimum Support Price is fixed at Rs 50 crore per MP. Rs 15 crore is just the advance. Frankly, these people aren’t even worth Rs 50,000. Their price has only gone up because of the Shiv Sena and TMC brand label,” Raut said on X.

Sources close to Shrikant Shinde, leader of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, said about six “rebel” Sena (UBT) MPs are already in the national capital. They had planned to meet Birla at his house in the morning, but they may now see the Speaker in Parliament later in the day.

“Mostly, two-thirds of the Sena (UBT) will make the shift today, thus not attracting the anti-defection law,” said a source.

However, while Shinde-led Shiv Sena is claiming support of two-thirds of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs, Arvind Sawant of Sena (UBT) said that democracy had been reduced to a “market”. “Those accused by the Prime Minister of being corrupt are made chief ministers,” he said.

Sawant added that the party had written to the Speaker to save the Constitution. “The party is the party. Individual MPs and MLAs are not the party,” he said, adding that the Sena (UBT) had issued a whip for a meeting Thursday.

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Mumbai, Correspondent

The talks of another split in the party led by Uddhav Thackeray were fuelled recently, especially after the rebellion within the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress.

Amid speculations over a possible split in the parliamentary party of the Shiv Sena (UBT), four of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs physically attended the meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray at his residence in Mumbai on Sunday. The remaining five Lok Sabha MPs participated in the meeting virtually.

The Members of Parliament who were physically present at the Thackeray residence of Matoshree are Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Rajabhau Waje.

“It was a routine organisational meeting called by Uddhavji. He guided us on party strategy regarding the pressing issues faced by the country and the party’s action plan for the future,” said Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut.

Raut slammed the talks of ‘Operation Tiger’ (a popular term referring to alleged plans to engineer mass defections in the Sena UBT) and said that it was now time for ‘Operation Wolves’, in an apparent reference to MPs from the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde. “The media should stop speculations and instead focus on real issues,” he said, adding that a similar meeting will be held next month as well.

One of the five MPs who attended the meeting virtually was Sanjay Deshmukh, who could not travel to Mumbai owing to preparations for his daughter’s wedding. Whereas Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar is currently busy in his constituency due to the ongoing Legislative Council election campaign, wherein his son is a candidate. Among the other three MPs who attended the meeting virtually, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Omraje Nimbalkar’s wife and son, respectively, are admitted to a hospital.

“There were reports that seven of our MPs are in touch with some other party. Four out of nine were present today. It just shows how fabricated and ridiculous those rumours were. I urge all to stop making random speculations and instead focus on real issues,” said Sena MP Anil Desai.

The talks of another split in the party led by Thackeray were fuelled recently, especially after the rebellion within the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress.

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Mumbai, June 4

The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) faced a major setback as its candidates withdrew their candidatures on Thursday, ensuring that ruling BJP-led Mahayuti alliance will win the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) election virtually unopposed.

Thursday was the last day to withdraw applications for the Legislative Council election and candidates withdrew their applications by 3 pm.

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena had announced Bal Mane as its candidate from the Raigad-Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Legislative Council constituency, but he withdrew from the contest on Thursday, after which the Sena expelled him from the party for anti-party activities.

Bal Mane was originally a BJP leader. However, during the 2024 assembly elections, he left the BJP and publicly joined the Thackeray group. He contested the assembly elections from Ratnagiri against Cabinet Minister Uday Samant from the Maha Vikas Aghadi, but he had to face defeat in that election. After that, he was once again brought into the election fray through the Legislative Council. However, his withdrawal before the voting has completely changed the political equations in Konkan

Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena's Devyani Dongaonkar was nominated from the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Jalna Legislative Council constituency, but she suddenly withdrew her candidature, after which the party expelled Devyani Dongaonkar and her husband Krishna Dongaonkar.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena candidate Anil Kadam who was supposed to be the candidate from the Nashik Legislative Council constituency withdrew from the contest and did not file his application. Congress candidate Sahebrao Kamble, who was nominated by the Congress to contest from the Yavatmal Legialative Council, withdrew from the election.

Reacting to these developments Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena Rajya Sabha MP and chief Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut alleged here on Thursday that, “The ruling party (BJP) has spent a whopping Rs 150 crore to get our candidates to withdraw their applications. One of our candidates was given Rs 25 crore to withdraw”.
“From the information I have so far, the ruling party is adamant to ensure that elections are held unopposed and many unscrupulous methods have been adopted to achieve this. A large number of attempts were made to buy off opposition candidates and it succeeded in some places,” Sanjay Raut said.

“Yesterday (Wednesday), such transactions took place at Hotel Sofitel in Mumbai, located in the Bandra Kurla Complex. After that, our candidate in Konkan (Bal Mane) withdrew. Our candidate withdrew in Sambhajinagar. The person who fixed the deal informed us. The process of purchasing candidates is going on in Maharashtra. I think this is a way of destroying the state and the country. This is extremely dangerous for democracy,” Sanjay Raut said.
“The prices of horses were fixed only to withdraw their candidatures. I am not shocked at all. I expected this. That is why I kept saying from the beginning that this election is not ours. This election is not for party workers. This election is for those who can spend cash, do horse trading, as well as buy candidates and votes. This is not democracy. This was my honest opinion and I tried to present my opinion many times in my party. I was afraid that the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) would get discredited due to this, especially my party,” Sanjay Raut said.
Reacting to the withdrawal of MVA candidates from the poll fray, Maharashtra State Congress Committee President Harshwardhan Sapkal said, “Despite the BJP's power everywhere, it is still trampling upon democratic values in its desire for more power. Offers of crores of rupees have been made to opposition candidates in order to ensure that Legislative Council elections are won unopposed. The BJP has used all means to get candidates to withdraw nominations, putting aside all morality. The BJP does not want democracy. It wants a 'nomination system' instead of elections”.

“Voters of Legislative Council elections are the elected representatives in the local self-government bodies and it is a limited electorate. But in this election too, the ruling alliance has openly played the game of throwing money and enjoying the spectacle. There has been a huge distribution of money by the ruling party. The BJP and the Election Commission are in an unholy alliance. This picture is not good for democracy,” Sapkal said.

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