Operation Tiger: Shinde Sena claims seven UBT MPs ready to switch sides; UBT faction denies

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray (File pic)

Amid the buzz and speculation over ‘Operation Tiger' intensifying in Maharashtra, suggesting more MPs and MLAs are ready to abandon the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena camp, a startling claim from SS (Shinde camp) MLC Krupal Tumane has sent political temperatures soaring within the Opposition ranks.

Krupal Tumane, speaking to the media amid the buzz, said, "Out of nine MPs of SS (UBT), seven are willing to work under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. They want to work according to his policies and ensure the development of their constituencies," as cited by IANS.

Highlighting the scale of discontent and disgruntlement within the UBT camp, he said that at least seven UBT MPs and 16 MLAs are in contact with us, according to IANS.

Tumane further stated that the "discussions" with them were in an advanced stage, and the switchover may happen sooner rather than later.

Shinde faction leaders say, ‘Everyone wants to become part of mainstream development'

The assertions by MLC Krupal Tumane come in the backdrop of heightened speculation of a fresh break-up in the Uddhav camp and how shifting loyalties could shake up the Bal Thackeray-founded party and ‘perennially' alter the support bases of the two Shiv Sena factions in the state.

Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kasarkar, adding more speculations about the ongoing chaos, said, "I cannot say much about this, but the way development is taking place in Maharashtra, everyone wants to become part of that mainstream of development. So, if someone joins it, there is nothing surprising about it..."

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders deny any speculations

The speculations have, however, been refuted strongly by several Shiv Sena MPs, including Uddhav Thackeray's staunch loyalist Sanjay Raut and MP Anil Desai.

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut has rubbished all speculations of 'Operation Tiger' and affirmed that the party remains "intact, united, and strong."

All of this comes after conflicting reports claimed that the informal meeting was given a miss by most Sena Parliamentarians, and only a handful turned up. The party later, in a clarification, stated that all the MPs had joined the meeting, though some via virtual mode. This only gave strength to speculations that something was amiss within, as this marked a clear diversion from previous such meets.

MP Bhausaheb Wakchure dismisses speculation

Bhausaheb Wakchaure, another Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from Shirdi, dismissed the speculation as merely hearsay and stated that too much was being read into it for stoking fresh turmoil in Maharashtra politics.

"I am with Shiv Sena (UBT). These are just speculations; they have been going on for a year. I don't know why they are going on," he stated.

"Today, I am standing with UBT; I can't say about tomorrow; I am not a soothsayer," he said, giving fresh fodder for political watchers to interpret his remarks.

(With inputs from IANS)