Political tensions rose in Maharashtra over the weekend. Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis exchanged sharp remarks. The clash comes after six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

During his tour of the constituencies represented by the rebel MPs, Thackeray accused the BJP of planning the defections. He claimed the party wanted to limit Fadnavis' political influence. However, Fadnavis rejected the allegations. He said he has the support of Maharashtra's people and the BJP's senior leadership.

Uddhav Thackeray Alleges 'Operation Devendra' Behind MP Defections

While addressing party workers, Uddhav Thackeray questioned why the six MPs left his party when no elections were taking place. He claimed the defections were part of a political plan called "Operation Devendra." "The MPs were taken away when there were no elections. Why did they not join the BJP? I suspect this is actually 'Operation Devendra'," he said.

Thackeray also alleged that Union Home Minister Amit Shah planned the operation to stop Devendra Fadnavis from becoming more influential within the BJP. According to him, Amit Shah wanted to “keep Fadnavis at a certain level so that he does not enter the (future) race for the prime minister's post”.

Devendra Fadnavis Rejects Uddhav Thackeray's Allegations

The next day, Devendra Fadnavis firmly rejected the allegations. “I am a human being. I don't have wings, so who can clip them? I have the blessings of Maharashtra's 14 crore people and my senior leaders, so there is no need to worry”. With that statement, Fadnavis dismissed speculation about his political future. He said no one could weaken his position.

Uddhav Thackeray Says Fadnavis Looked 'Helpless' During Flight

Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray spoke about the recent Mumbai-to-Nagpur flight that he shared with Devendra Fadnavis. A video of the two leaders on the same flight quickly went viral on social media. While addressing party workers in Hingoli, Thackeray claimed the chief minister looked low on confidence during the journey.

He compared Fadnavis' situation with that of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan. “Like Shivraj Singh Chauhan was sidelined despite the BJP winning in Madhya Pradesh only because of him, Fadnavis too is on the way to being sidelined,” he said.

Thackeray also linked the MP defections to an internal BJP power struggle. “The operation to steal six Sena (UBT) UBT MPs is not Operation Tiger but Operation Devendra, carried out to cut him down to size. Whoever becomes strong enough to become a PM candidate is sidelined by the BJP.”

Fadnavis Says He Watched OTT Content Throughout the Flight

In response, Devendra Fadnavis laughed off Thackeray's comments during a media interaction in Palghar. He said he usually watches downloaded movies or web series while flying. He added that he spent the entire journey watching content on his phone. “I have a habit. Whenever I board a flight I watch a movie or OTT, or web series that is downloaded on my phone. That is what I was doing throughout the duration of the flight. So, when did he see my helplessness?,” Fadnavis said.

Maharashtra CM Dismisses Flight Speculation

Fadnavis also rejected the political speculation surrounding the shared flight. He described the discussion as "vedyancha bazaar" (mad market). He said there was nothing unusual about two political leaders travelling on the same aircraft. He added that the meeting happened by coincidence and had no political significance.

Fadnavis Takes a Swipe at Uddhav Thackeray

Fadnavis also took a political swipe at Uddhav Thackeray while referring to the events of 2019. "I accept his good wishes. If he had given them in 2019, the picture might have been different. Since he could not do so, I accept those good wishes now."

He referred to the political developments after the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections, when Uddhav Thackeray ended the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance and formed the government with the Congress and the NCP.

Maharashtra Political Crisis Deepens After Sena MP Defections

The latest exchange highlights the growing rivalry between the BJP and Shiv Sena (UBT). Meanwhile, Uddhav Thackeray continues to face pressure after six of his party's MPs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Both leaders continue to attack each other publicly. As a result, political tensions remain high in Maharashtra, and the recent defections have further intensified the battle for power in the state.