16 June,2026 08:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The political slugfest in Maharashtra intensified on Tuesday as Shiv Sena leaders from the Eknath Shinde-led faction made a series of remarks amid speculation over 'Operation Tiger' and took aim at the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership.
Shiv Sena MP Naresh Mhaske said that there is growing dissatisfaction within the opposition camp and claimed that the situation has already shifted on the ground.
He alleged that some leaders have moved away from the ideology of Hindutva and aligned with the Congress. Mhaske also criticised remarks made by Sanjay Raut, claiming he has been advising other parties on political mergers.
Referring to recent local body elections, including Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, Municipal Corporations and Municipal Councils, Mhaske questioned the campaigning efforts of Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Aditya Thackeray, suggesting a lack of active ground presence. He added that workers shifting allegiance to their faction are being welcomed.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra minister Pratap Sarnaik said "Operation Tiger" is a continuous organisational exercise carried out under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
He stated that any Shiv Sainik, corporator, municipal council leader or party worker who believes in the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray and trusts Shinde's leadership is welcome to join the faction.
Shiv Sena MLA Prakash Surve also weighed in, saying there is no internal outreach or contact being made to lure workers forcibly.
He added that if individuals are choosing to switch sides on their own, it cannot be attributed to any wrongdoing by their faction.
The remarks come amid ongoing political friction within the Shiv Sena factions, with "Operation Tiger" emerging as a symbolic reference point in the continuing battle for party loyalty and cadre strength in Maharashtra.
