Shiv Sena UBT defections: Eknath Shinde hints more may follow at Mumbai event

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde suggested more Shiv Sena UBT defections could follow, speaking in Mumbai during the party’s 60th foundation day event. He criticised Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray and called for introspection as six dissident MPs were not present amid reports they may switch sides.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde suggested more exits from Shiv Sena UBT could follow. The comment came amid talk that six Shiv Sena UBT MPs may switch sides. Shinde spoke at a Mumbai event marking the party’s 60th foundation day. Shinde urged Uddhav Thackeray’s camp to reflect on why leaders were leaving.

None of the six MPs were seen at the rally. The MPs are Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Nagesh Patil Ashitkar and Bhausahen Wakchowre. Their absence added to speculation of a move. Shinde linked the chatter to "Operation Tiger\". The term refers to alleged poaching attempts of Lok Sabha MPs.

Operation Tiger and Shinde’s message on Shiv Sena UBT MPs

Shinde said, \"This is just a trailer and the movie is yet to come. Just see what happens ahead Yeh too sirf trailer tha. Picture abhi baaki hain. Aage aage dekho hota hain kya\". The remark hinted at further defections from the rival faction. Shinde’s speech lasted close to an hour. A major part of it focused on criticising Uddhav Thackeray.

Without naming the Shiv Sena UBT chief, Shinde used a sharp comparison during the speech. Shinde said a wolf cannot become a tiger by wearing a tiger’s skin. Shinde also said such \"wolves\" had threatened Shinde in 2022. That was when Shinde led the split from Thackeray. Shinde presented the revolt as a fight for the party’s direction.

Shinde said inheriting Bal Thackeray’s legacy needed more than family ties. Shinde argued the party was not property to be passed on. Shinde also said the politics of those who forgot the saffron flag had ended. Shinde added that those who kept Bal Thackeray’s ideals were being criticised. Shinde urged party workers to stay aligned with those ideals.

Mahayuti, council polls, and claims against Shiv Sena UBT leaders

Shinde said a commander should not remain at home during a battle. Shinde described Shinde as someone who leads from the front. Shinde also took a swipe at a Shiv Sena UBT leader without naming Sanjay Raut. Shinde said some dogs bark, while a tiger roars and hunts. Shinde then criticised shifting positions on the rebel MPs.

Referring to comments on the rebel MPs, Shinde said, \"You curse them in the morning and then talk good about them in the evening.\" Raut had warned of \"Operation Tudwa bash-up\" against the MPs. Shinde used the episode to underline the rift inside the rival camp. Shinde suggested such behaviour pushed leaders away from Shiv Sena UBT.

On elections, Shinde said the BJP-led Mahayuti would win all 17 legislative council seats. Voting for these seats took place on Thursday. Counting is scheduled for June 22. Shinde said six seats were already won unopposed. Those seats went to the ruling alliance of the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP. Shinde also dismissed reports of cracks within the alliance.

Shinde said some people were trying to create differences with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Shinde insisted the relationship among the three Mahayuti partners was strong. Shinde also attacked the Opposition INDIA bloc and Rahul Gandhi. Shinde said Gandhi remained captain despite repeated poll losses. Shinde claimed parties lost elections after aligning with Congress.

Operation Tiger role, Shrikant Shinde, and electoral roll revision

At the rally, Shiv Sena leader Ramdas Kadam credited Shinde’s son and MP Shrikant with work on Operation Tiger. Kadam said if Shinde took two steps, Shrikant took four to ensure success. Kadam also floated the idea of Shrikant leading the Yuva Sena. The youth wing, Kadam said, needed an active push during this political phase.

Shinde praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 12 years in office. Shinde said Modi became the longest-serving elected prime minister, surpassing Jawaharlal Nehru. Shinde also praised Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shinde cited action against Naxalism and the abrogation of Article 370. Shinde presented these as key achievements of the central leadership.

Ahead of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Maharashtra, Shinde told workers to monitor the process. Shinde asked them to appoint Booth-Level Agents (BLAs). Shinde also said Yuva Sena should remain active on the ground. Shinde added it should also stay active on social media. Shinde framed this as essential organisational work before upcoming political contests.

With inputs from PTI