As speculation around the alleged “Operation Tiger” continues to dominate Maharashtra politics, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has tried to reassure party leaders and workers. Meanwhile, leaders from both the Thackeray and Shinde camps continue to present completely different versions of the situation.

Reports of possible defections from Shiv Sena (UBT) have gained momentum in recent days. However, the Thackeray camp insists that the party remains united despite repeated claims from rival leaders.

Thackeray Urges Leaders to Remain Strong

During a recent meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, Uddhav Thackeray reportedly struck a confident and determined tone. According to sources, he told party leaders that anyone who wanted to leave was free to do so. At the same time, he reminded them of the 2022 rebellion that split the Shiv Sena and changed Maharashtra's political landscape.

Thackeray said he knew what was happening during the rebellion but chose not to force anyone to stay. “A major split took place in the party four years ago. Forty MLAs walked away. Do you think I was unaware of what was happening?" Thackeray told MPs.

Furthermore, he reportedly said that those who left Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena would eventually regret their decision. “Today may not be my time, but tomorrow certainly will be. Until then, we will have to endure and persevere," he added.

Raut Rejects Reports About Thackeray's Remarks

However, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut strongly rejected reports that Thackeray had told leaders they were free to leave. Speaking in Delhi, Raut said he attended the entire meeting and claimed that no such statement was made.

“Uddhav Thackeray did not say that those who want to go should leave, and he would never say such a thing," Raut said. In addition, Raut defended Thackeray's leadership style and dismissed claims that party workers could not meet him. "After Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray is the leader who meets the maximum number of people. The doors of Matoshree are always open," he said.

UBT Leaders Insist MPs Remain United

At the same time, Raut dismissed rumours of divisions among the party's parliamentary members. He said all nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs remain united and committed to the party. Moreover, he argued that meetings between politicians from different parties are normal and should not be interpreted as signs of defection.

“If Sanjay Deshmukh meets Prataprao Jadhav, what is the problem? If I have work tomorrow, I will meet the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister belongs to the country and the Chief Minister belongs to the state. Political battles will continue, but meetings for public work should not be given a different colour," he added. Through these remarks, Raut attempted to counter growing speculation about a possible split.

Shinde Camp Continues to Push ‘Operation Tiger’ Narrative

Meanwhile, leaders from the Eknath Shinde camp continue to claim that more workers and leaders are joining their side. Cabinet minister Pratap Sarnaik said that “Operation Tiger” is not a temporary campaign but an ongoing process. “Look, our Operation Tiger continues 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We hear the name Operation Tiger only through the news. According to us, Operation Tiger runs throughout the year because whenever workers in any party feel they are not getting justice, they come to us. They come with faith in Eknath Shinde, Shiv Sena and Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology. For us, they are all tigers," Sarnaik said. Furthermore, he said the outreach effort includes not only MPs and MLAs but also grassroots workers from different political parties.

Fresh Claims Add to Political Buzz

Adding to the speculation, Shiv Sena MLA Krupal Tumane claimed that several leaders from the Thackeray camp are in touch with the Shinde faction. He said many MPs want to work under Eknath Shinde's leadership and support his development-focused approach.

“Out of the nine MPs from UBT camp, seven are willing to work under the leadership of Eknath Shinde. They want to work according to his policies and ensure development in their constituencies because development is what gets leaders re-elected. Today, around seven MPs and sixteen MLAs are in contact with us," Tumane claimed. As a result, discussions about a possible realignment within the Shiv Sena have intensified.

Thackeray Camp Stands Firm

Despite repeated claims from the Shinde camp, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders continue to deny reports of an impending split. Instead, they insist that the party remains united under Uddhav Thackeray's leadership. They also describe the rumours as politically motivated attempts to create uncertainty within the organisation.

For now, both camps continue their war of words. While the Shinde faction projects confidence about attracting more leaders, the Thackeray camp remains firm in its claim that no major defection is on the horizon.

Consequently, all eyes will remain on Maharashtra politics in the coming days as observers wait to see whether the “Operation Tiger” speculation turns into a significant political development or fades away.