Key Facts
Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a potential rebellion as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly being poached by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena under a plan dubbed 'Operation Tiger'. The tiger was the symbol of the undivided Shiv Sena, founded by Bal Thackeray. The Shinde faction claims the six MPs will form a separate group and submit a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, eventually merging with the Shinde Sena's parliamentary unit.
Details of the Alleged Poaching Attempt
According to sources who spoke to Hindustan Times, the six MPs likely to break away are: Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli), Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv), and Sanjay Patil (Mumbai North East). However, these claims could not be independently verified.
On Sunday, Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with his party MPs. While some attended in person, others joined online. Sanjay Patil spoke to Hindustan Times on Wednesday and denied any plans to defect: "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. I have neither received any offer nor been approached by any party or political leader."
Sanjay Raut's Scathing Attack
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut launched a blistering attack on the alleged rebels. Addressing a press conference in Delhi alongside MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, Raut warned: "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."
In a post on X, Raut alleged that a chartered plane had landed at Nanded Airport as part of Operation Tiger to pick up two MPs. 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." He added: "Every action will be accounted for. The escape of cowardly foxes has been thwarted. Why Operation Tiger, you ask?"
₹50 Crore Bribe Allegation
Raut further claimed that rebel MPs were being lured with massive financial inducements. "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," Raut alleged during a press conference attended by Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Rajabhau Waje.
BJP Denies Involvement
The BJP has distanced itself from the alleged operation. Maharashtra Revenue Minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated: "The BJP has nothing to do with Operation Tiger. We do not know anything about it."
Impact and What It Means
Sanjay Patil's denial has significantly weakened the prospects of a rebellion. Under the anti-defection law, at least six of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s nine Lok Sabha MPs would need to break away together to constitute the required two-thirds of the parliamentary party to avoid disqualification. If even one MP backs out, the rebels would fall short of the threshold, jeopardising any plans for a formal split.
The situation remains fluid, with both sides holding meetings and making counter-claims. The coming days will be crucial for the stability of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and the broader political landscape in Maharashtra.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Operation Tiger?
Operation Tiger is a reported attempt by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to poach six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) to engineer a split in the party.
Which MPs are allegedly involved in the rebellion?
The six MPs reportedly likely to defect are Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli), Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv), and Sanjay Patil (Mumbai North East). However, Patil has denied any plans to leave.
What has Sanjay Raut alleged?
Sanjay Raut claimed that rebel MPs were promised ₹50 crore, with ₹15 crore paid in advance, and that a chartered plane was used to ferry MPs under Operation Tiger. He warned that defectors would face public anger.
What is the BJP's stance on Operation Tiger?
The BJP has distanced itself from the operation. Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated that the BJP has nothing to do with it and knows nothing about it.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com