30 June,2026 08:29 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Aaditya Thackeray said Sachin Ahir`s move would not weaken the party in its traditional strongholds in Mumbai. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Tuesday dismissed the political impact of MLC Sachin Ahir's decision to align with the ruling Mahayuti alliance, alleging that the BJP's strategy of attracting Opposition leaders should be called "Operation Devendra" rather than "Operation Tiger", reported the PTI.
His remarks came hours after Ahir, a close associate of Aaditya Thackeray, filed his nomination for the post of Deputy Chairperson of the Maharashtra Legislative Council on behalf of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Aaditya Thackeray said Ahir's move would not weaken the party in its traditional strongholds of Worli and Sewri.
"This is not Operation Tiger but Operation Devendra Fadnavis. Those who know it, know it," he said, the newsd agency reported.
He added that Shiv Sena (UBT) had become the "collateral damage" in what he described as an operation to lure Opposition leaders into the ruling alliance.
The former minister said Ahir had been entrusted with several key responsibilities within the party and questioned why he chose to leave.
"He cannot even claim that I did not meet him or give him time. We travelled together from Pune just a few days ago," Aaditya said, according to the PTI.
He noted that Ahir had been made an MLC, appointed as a deputy leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), held a position in the Bharatiya Kamgar Sena, headed the BEST workers' union, and that his daughter's NGO had been included in a ward-level committee.
"What else did he want? Did we give him less?" he asked, as per the PTI.
Aaditya Thackeray said he had recently held a serious discussion with Ahir while travelling together from Pune, during which they spoke about what he described as 'attacks' by the current government on various institutions.
He expressed surprise over Ahir's decision to join those whom he accused of being linked to controversies, including allegations surrounding the Ram temple and the alleged Ujjain land scam.
Responding to speculation that Ahir could contest against him from the Worli Assembly constituency, Aaditya said it would make no difference politically, reported the PTI.
He claimed Ahir had sent him a message earlier in the day stating that he would not contest against him, but added that "these are just things to say".
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said the party would take appropriate action against Ahir over his decision.
Aaditya also criticised the BJP, alleging that while its workers had actively participated in movements such as the Ram temple campaign, the party was now rewarding leaders from rival parties instead of promoting its own cadre.
(with PTI and IANS inputs)
