17 June,2026 12:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Chandrashekhar Bawankule. File Pic
Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday distanced his party from the ongoing speculation surrounding a possible rebellion within the Shiv Sena (UBT), asserting that the BJP has no role in any alleged efforts to engineer defections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party.
His remarks come amid growing political chatter that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could break away and form a separate group, triggering fresh uncertainty within the opposition camp in Maharashtra.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule said he had no knowledge of the alleged "Operation Tiger" that has dominated political discussions in recent days.
He stated that he was unaware of the operation, its purpose, or the people behind it, and therefore could not comment on the speculation surrounding it.
The BJP leader was responding to allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, who claimed that efforts were being made to lure MPs from Maharashtra through financial incentives.
Bawankule categorically denied any BJP involvement in the matter and said the party had no connection with the developments being discussed in political circles.
According to Bawankule, decisions regarding political parties and their elected representatives are matters that should be handled by the respective party leaderships.
He said Shiv Sena leader and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde would take decisions concerning his party, while Uddhav Thackeray would be responsible for managing affairs within Shiv Sena (UBT).
The BJP leader maintained that only the leaders of the respective parties would know the internal situation within their organisations and reiterated that the BJP had no role in any attempt to trigger a split.
He also criticised attempts to link the BJP to the controversy, calling such allegations baseless.
Responding to questions about reports of MPs and legislators leaving the Uddhav Thackeray camp, Bawankule said the Sena (UBT) chief should examine the reasons behind the dissatisfaction within his party.
He suggested that instead of blaming external forces, party leaders should assess why elected representatives may be considering leaving the organisation.
According to Bawankule, understanding the causes of internal discontent is more important than making allegations against political opponents.
His remarks add to the ongoing political debate over whether the current speculation reflects genuine unrest within Shiv Sena (UBT) or merely political rumours.
Addressing claims that legislators were being offered money to switch political allegiance, Bawankule said it was inappropriate to assume that elected representatives make political decisions solely on the basis of financial considerations.
He argued that there could be several factors influencing such decisions and urged political parties to focus on the reasons behind defections rather than making unverified allegations.
The BJP leader's response came a day after Raut alleged that advances were being offered to encourage MPs to change sides. No evidence has been publicly presented to support the claim.
Bawankule also responded to comments by Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar, who recently suggested that Eknath Shinde could become chief minister if Devendra Fadnavis were to move to national politics.
He described the remarks as Bhondekar's personal opinion and said every legislator has the right to express individual views.
However, Bawankule stressed that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis continues to enjoy a clear mandate and is focused on implementing the state's development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dismissing speculation about a possible shift of Fadnavis to Delhi, he said the chief minister remains committed to his vision of a developed Maharashtra by 2047 and that discussions about a change in leadership are neither relevant nor necessary at present.
As rumours of a possible split within Shiv Sena (UBT) continue to dominate Maharashtra politics, BJP leaders have sought to distance themselves from the controversy, while opposition leaders remain engaged in efforts to maintain unity within their ranks.
(With inputs from PTI)
