'Operation Tiger': Shiv Sena MLC Claims 6 UBT MPs Back Shinde; Raut Calls Dissenters 'Traitors'

Political speculation in Maharashtra intensified on Thursday after Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed that six Members of Parliament from Shiv Sena (UBT) had expressed support for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and joined the Shiv Sena faction led by him.

The claim has reignited discussions around the so-called "Operation Tiger", a term being used in political circles to describe a possible exodus of leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to the Shinde camp. While there has been no official confirmation from the MPs concerned, the remarks have fuelled speculation about another round of political upheaval within the party that split in 2022.

Speaking to reporters in Dhule, Raghuvanshi asserted that six MPs had expressed confidence in Shinde's leadership and joined the Shiv Sena faction led by him. "Operation Tiger has taken place in Maharashtra. Today, six MPs expressed their faith in Eknath Shinde and joined Shiv Sena. I welcome their decision," he said.

The Shiv Sena MLC argued that public representatives seeking to carry out development work should align themselves with the ruling Shiv Sena-BJP alliance. "Every elected representative wants to deliver development for their constituency. If meaningful work has to be done, it is possible by working with Shiv Sena and the BJP," Raghuvanshi said.

#WATCH | Dhule, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi says, "Operation Tiger has taken place in Maharashtra. Today, six MPs expressed their confidence in Eknath Shinde and have joined Shiv Sena... It is good that they joined us. I welcome them." pic.twitter.com/d1coNhcCS7

— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2026

He further claimed that the MPs believed Shinde was carrying forward the vision and legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray."Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology remains in their hearts. They felt that if they had to choose a leader to carry that legacy forward, Eknath Shinde was the right choice. That is why they expressed confidence in his leadership," he added.

Amid growing rumours of defections, Shiv Sena (UBT) issued a whip directing all its MPs to attend a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss important organisational and political matters.

However, reports suggested that none of the MPs believed to be part of the alleged rebel group attended the meeting, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the party's internal dynamics.

Addressing reporters ahead of the meeting, Sanjay Raut delivered a stern message to absent MPs.

"Those who attend are with us. Those who do not are betrayers and traitors," he said.

Meanwhile, senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Arvind Sawant appeared optimistic about party unity, responding with a thumbs-up gesture when asked whether all MPs would attend the meeting.

Reports of Crossovers Trigger Political Buzz

Raghuvanshi's remarks come amid reports that several Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs are in touch with the Shinde-led faction, sparking fresh speculation about a possible split within the party.

The developments have drawn significant political attention across Maharashtra, with many drawing parallels to the 2022 rebellion led by Shinde that resulted in the division of the undivided Shiv Sena into two rival camps.

The speculation intensified after five MPs skipped an in-person meeting convened by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray earlier this week and instead joined virtually. According to party leader Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waze and Sanjay Patil attended the meeting physically, while Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Sanjay Deshmukh participated online. MP Sanjay Jadhav reportedly spoke to Thackeray over the phone.

On reports of defections in the Shiv Sena-UBT, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh says, "Understand the chronology of events, on April 17, 2026, the Home Minister faced insult in Lok Sabha when the Constitution Amendment Bill could not be passed as they could not get a 2/3rd majority in the House. Despite all his efforts, the Home Minister did not get a 2/3rd majority. This upset the Home Minister and the Prime Minister a lot, and now they are engaged in splitting different parties.

With confidence, I can say that they will not get a 2/3rd majority. This is being done to lower the morale of the Opposition. This is an attack on the Constitution and our democracy. Being in the same post as Sardar Patel once, such politics is being done by the current Home Minister. This is not the National Democratic Alliance but the National Defector Alliance."

As speculation over "Operation Tiger" continues to gather pace, all eyes remain on whether the reported shift in loyalties will translate into an actual political realignment within Maharashtra's opposition ranks.