14 June,2026 11:19 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of the party's Members of Parliament (MPs) on Sunday amid speculation that some lawmakers could switch allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
According to party sources, the meeting will be held at Matoshri, Thackeray's residence in Mumbai's Bandra East, at noon. The development comes at a time when political circles are abuzz with reports of a possible attempt to engineer defections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp, reported PTI.
The meeting assumes significance in light of ongoing speculation surrounding an alleged "Operation Tiger", under which some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are reportedly being targeted for induction into the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Although no official confirmation has been provided regarding any imminent defections, the reports have triggered discussions within Maharashtra's political landscape, prompting the party leadership to engage directly with its parliamentary representatives.
Party insiders indicated that the meeting would provide an opportunity for Thackeray to review organisational matters and discuss the current political situation with MPs.
Earlier this week, Eknath Shinde rejected claims that efforts were underway to attract MPs from the rival Sena faction.
Responding to questions from reporters in New Delhi, Shinde said there was no need for any political "number game" as elections had already concluded.
His remarks sought to downplay speculation of a fresh round of political realignments between the two Shiv Sena factions that have remained bitter rivals since the party split in 2022.
A Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, however, dismissed suggestions that the meeting had been convened because of concerns over defections.
According to the lawmaker, the gathering is a routine organisational meeting and should not be linked to reports of any political operation targeting party MPs.
The party leadership has not issued any formal statement connecting the meeting to the recent speculation.
The discussions come against the backdrop of evolving political equations at the national level.
The Shinde-led Shiv Sena currently holds seven Lok Sabha seats and is the third-largest constituent of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre.
Political observers have also been tracking developments involving the Trinamool Congress (TMC), where a dissident group has reportedly extended support to the BJP. The rebel faction claims to have the backing of around 20 TMC MPs, a development that could influence parliamentary arithmetic if formal realignments take place.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs and remains one of the key constituents of the opposition alliance in Maharashtra.
Sunday's meeting is expected to focus on organisational cohesion, parliamentary strategy and preparations for upcoming political challenges.
While party leaders continue to publicly dismiss reports of defections, the timing of the meeting has inevitably drawn attention amid persistent speculation about possible shifts in political loyalties.
The outcome of the discussions at Matoshri is likely to be closely watched by both allies and rivals as Maharashtra's political landscape continues to evolve.
(With inputs from PTI)
