A fresh political controversy has erupted in Maharashtra, with rumours of a possible split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) triggering intense political activity in both Mumbai and Delhi. The alleged move, being referred to as "Operation Tiger", has prompted the party leadership to hold a series of meetings with its nine Lok Sabha MPs amid fears of defections.
What is Operation Tiger?
The term "Operation Tiger" has emerged from claims made by leaders of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, who have suggested that six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) could break away and form a separate group in Parliament. The tiger, notably, was the symbol and mascot of the undivided Shiv Sena founded by Bal Thackeray.
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According to reports cited by Hindustan Times, the proposed breakaway faction could later merge with the Shinde Sena's Lok Sabha unit. Several MPs, including Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar and Sanjay Patil, have been linked to the speculation, although the claims have not been independently verified.
Sanjay Patil's denial changes the equation
The developments took a significant turn after MP Sanjay Patil publicly denied reports of joining the rival camp.
"I have already clarified in the past that I am not joining any other party and am very much in Mumbai today. I will also attend the party's meeting scheduled for Thursday in New Delhi," Patil told Hindustan Times.
"I have neither received any offer nor been approached by any party or political leader," he added.
Patil's clarification is crucial because under the anti-defection law, at least six of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s nine Lok Sabha MPs would need to break away together to avoid disqualification. If even one MP opts out, any proposed split could fall short of the required two-thirds threshold.
Raut attacks alleged defectors
Amid the speculation, Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut launched a sharp attack on leaders allegedly involved in defection talks.
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"If anyone wants to go, they can resign and leave. If such reports emerge about our MPs, they should publicly refute them. This time, the people of Maharashtra will not remain silent," Raut said.
In a post on X, he wrote, "A chartered plane lands at Nanded Airport. Under the guise of Operation Tiger, it picks up two MPs and takes off. They didn't have the means to even travel by rickshaw. Thanks to Thackeray's name, their worth has risen to the level of flying in private jets."
नांदेड विमानतळावर एक चार्टड विमान ✈️ उतरते
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 17, 2026
ऑपरेशन 🐅 नावाखाली दोन खासदारांना उचलून निघून जाते
यांची रिक्षात फिरण्याची औकात नव्हती
खासगी विमानाने फिरण्या एवढी किंमत ठाकरे नामा मुळे वाढली
प्रत्येक गोष्टीचा हिशोब केला जाईल ।
डरपोक कोल्ह्यांच्या पळवा पळविला
🐅 का म्हणता? pic.twitter.com/ft19myQVD2
Raut also claimed that MPs were being offered large sums of money to switch sides. "I received a call from an important person. He told me that MPs have been promised ₹50 crore, with ₹15 crore being paid in advance. MPs are being bought in Maharashtra," he alleged.
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Meanwhile, the BJP has distanced itself from the controversy, with Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stating that the party has "nothing to do with Operation Tiger".
FAQs:
What is Operation Tiger?
Operation Tiger refers to alleged efforts to engineer a split in Shiv Sena (UBT) by persuading its MPs to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Why is Sanjay Patil's statement important?
His denial weakens rebellion speculation because at least six MPs are needed to avoid disqualification under anti-defection rules.
