17 June,2026 11:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena (UBT) puts poster amid political buzz (Pic/X@Ians)
Amid mounting speculation over "Operation Tiger" and reports speculating that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could switch sides, a fresh poster war has erupted in Maharashtra, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp and the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) putting up banners projecting confidence in their respective leadership.
Outside Matoshree, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray's supporters have installed large posters carrying the message, "We Stand with Thackeray Always."
The banners put up outside the residence of Uddhav Thackeray are being viewed as a show of solidarity with the former Maharashtra Chief Minister at a time when political circles are abuzz with reports of possible defections from the party.
The display of unity within the party comes against the backdrop of speculation that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentarians could join the ruling Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. While the Uddhav Thackeray camp has dismissed such claims, the rumours have fuelled intense political discussions across the state.
While the Shiv Sena (UBT) has also been speculating that several MPs may switch sides, the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde in Pune has sought to amplify the narrative around it. Intensifying "Operation Tiger", Shiv Sena Pune city president Pramod Bhangire has installed banners at prominent locations across the city bearing the message, "Operation Tiger - Just Wait and Watch."
The banners have triggered a fresh political debate, with the slogan being interpreted as a signal that more political developments could be on the horizon. However, the Shinde camp has not officially disclosed the details of the so-called operation or any potential inductions into the party.
Following the speculations, the party on Wednesday also issued a whip directing all its Members of Parliament to attend a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi to discuss what it described as "important issues."
Party sources said that the leadership could initiate disqualification proceedings against MPs who fail to attend the meeting. The move comes against the backdrop of reports suggesting that several Lok Sabha MPs of the Uddhav Thackeray-led party are considering switching allegiance to the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
According to sources, concerns have grown within the party after reports emerged that six to seven of its nine Lok Sabha MPs may be inclined to join the Shinde camp. Several MPs are currently in New Delhi, further fuelling political speculation, reported PTI.
