Uddhav Thackeray calls meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs amid speculation of 'Operation Tiger'

Shiv Sena UBT chief Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of the partys Members of Parliament MPs on Sunday amid speculation that some lawmakers could switch allegiance to the Eknath Shindeled Shiv SenaAccording to party sources the meeting will be held at Matoshri Thackerays residence in Mumbais 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 Thackerayled camp reported PTISpeculation over possible defections gains momentumThe 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 ShindeAlthough no official confirmation has been provided regarding any imminent defections the reports have triggered discussions within Maharashtras political landscape prompting the party leadership to engage directly with its parliamentary representativesParty insiders indicated that the meeting would provide an opportunity for Thackeray to review organisational matters and discuss the current political situation with MPsShinde dismisses reports of any operationEarlier this week Eknath Shinde rejected claims that efforts were underway to attract MPs from the rival Sena factionResponding to questions from reporters in New Delhi Shinde said there was no need for any political number game as elections had already concludedHis 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 2022Sena UBT describes meeting as routineA Shiv Sena UBT MP however dismissed suggestions that the meeting had been convened because of concerns over defectionsAccording to the lawmaker the gathering is a routine organisational meeting and should not be linked to reports of any political operation targeting party MPsThe party leadership has not issued any formal statement connecting the meeting to the recent speculationChanging political equations at the CentreThe discussions come against the backdrop of evolving political equations at the national levelThe Shindeled Shiv Sena currently holds seven Lok Sabha seats and is the thirdlargest constituent of the Bharatiya Janata Partyled National Democratic Alliance NDA government at the CentrePolitical 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 placeFocus on party unity ahead of future political battlesThe Shiv Sena UBT currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs and remains one of the key constituents of the opposition alliance in MaharashtraSundays meeting is expected to focus on organisational cohesion parliamentary strategy and preparations for upcoming political challengesWhile 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 loyaltiesThe outcome of the discussions at Matoshri is likely to be closely watched by both allies and rivals as Maharashtras political landscape continues to evolveWith inputs from PTI