18 June,2026 12:43 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Sanjay Raut. Pic/PTI
Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Thursday rejected speculation about defections within the party and asserted that the "original Shiv Sena" remains with the Thackeray family, amid continuing political buzz over an alleged "Operation Tiger" aimed at attracting MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Addressing a joint press conference with Lok Sabha MP Arvind Sawant in New Delhi, Raut sought to counter claims that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had already switched allegiance to the rival faction.
His remarks came hours after Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed that six MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party had expressed confidence in Eknath Shinde and joined his camp.
Responding to questions about reports of defections, Raut said the identity of the Shiv Sena remains linked to the Thackeray family and its ideological legacy.
"Since when has Shinde's Shiv Sena become the original Shiv Sena? The original Shiv Sena is here. Where there is Thackeray, there is Shiv Sena," he said.
The statement reflects the continuing political and ideological battle between the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena following the split in the undivided party in 2022.
Both factions have continued to claim ownership of the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Raut adopted an aggressive tone while responding to reports that efforts were underway to engineer defections from the party.
Without naming any individual or organisation directly, he challenged those allegedly attempting to weaken Shiv Sena (UBT) and accused them of undermining democratic principles.
The Rajya Sabha MP also referred to investigations by central agencies and said party leaders were prepared to face political and legal challenges.
His comments come amid reports suggesting that several MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray camp are in contact with leaders from the ruling Shiv Sena faction, though no MP has publicly announced a decision to switch sides.
Raut confirmed that the party had convened a meeting of its Lok Sabha MPs in New Delhi and issued a three-line whip directing lawmakers to attend.
According to him, the meeting was scheduled for 11 am on Thursday at the party's Parliamentary Office in Delhi and was called to discuss important organisational and parliamentary matters.
The meeting is being viewed as a crucial test of support for Uddhav Thackeray within the party's parliamentary wing amid persistent rumours of a rebellion.
Party leaders have indicated that attendance at the meeting could play an important role in determining the next course of action if any dissident group emerges.
In a separate post on X, Raut criticised the prevailing political environment and quoted social reformer Acharya Dada Dharmadhikari and Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
The post reflected his broader criticism of what he described as the growing influence of money and power in politics.
Raut also accused the BJP of contributing to what he called the deterioration of Maharashtra's political culture, although he did not provide specific examples to support the allegation.
The BJP has repeatedly denied allegations that it is involved in attempts to engineer defections from opposition parties.
The latest round of political sparring follows claims by Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have already expressed support for Eknath Shinde and joined his faction.
Raghuvanshi described the development as the success of "Operation Tiger" and welcomed the MPs into the party.
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have strongly contested such claims, insisting that no official split has taken place and that several MPs named in media reports have publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray.
With competing claims emerging from both camps and no formal announcement from any MP regarding defection, political observers are closely watching developments in New Delhi. The outcome of the parliamentary party meeting and the positions adopted by individual lawmakers are expected to provide greater clarity on whether the speculation results in an actual split or remains part of the ongoing political battle between the two Sena factions.
(With inputs from ANI)
