The Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing renewed speculation about a possible split, with reports claiming that a significant number of legislators and Members of Parliament could leave the party in the coming days.

Sources have suggested that between 14 and 16 MLAs and six MPs are considering breaking away from the party led by Uddhav Thackeray. If the reports prove correct, the development could emerge within the next week and would represent another major political setback for the former Maharashtra chief minister. The speculation comes nearly four years after the 2022 rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, which reshaped Maharashtra's political landscape and split the original Shiv Sena.

Attention Turns to Shiv Sena (UBT)

Political attention has now shifted to Shiv Sena (UBT) amid growing discussions about an alleged operation aimed at attracting leaders from the Thackeray camp. The rumours, popularly referred to as "Operation Tiger," have triggered concern within the party that some of its elected representatives could switch allegiance to the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

As speculation intensified, Uddhav Thackeray called a meeting of all nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs at Matoshree, his residence in Mumbai. The meeting aimed to assess the party's unity and address rumours surrounding a possible rebellion. However, the gathering itself quickly became a topic of political discussion, with rival parties and observers closely monitoring developments.

Alleged Discontent Within the Party

Several leaders have weighed in on the growing speculation. Shiv Sena MP Prataprao Jadhav, who belongs to the Shinde faction, recently met Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Deshmukh. Speaking about the interaction, he said:

“We have been colleagues in the past, so we keep meeting. That does not mean anyone is leaving their party. But when we speak to them, we realise many are unhappy with the Thackerays and Sanjay Raut. They feel they are constantly under suspicion over whom they meet and do not have access to Matoshree. If these bottled-up emotions explode, some may leave the party. Yes, MPs and MLAs are in touch with us, but that does not mean they will quit Shiv Sena (UBT)." His remarks fuelled further discussion about dissatisfaction among some leaders within the Uddhav Thackeray camp.

Shiv Sena (UBT) Rejects Split Claims

Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have strongly dismissed reports suggesting that a split is imminent. Senior party leader and MP Arvind Sawant questioned the basis of the claims and challenged those spreading the rumours to identify the lawmakers allegedly planning to defect.

“Why don’t they make the names of these seven MPs public, like they did in the case of the TMC? There is no tiger; they have no teeth. Those making these claims should themselves be asked whom they are in touch with. We made our position clear on Sunday. All our MPs attended the meeting, and those who could not be physically present joined through video conferencing," Sawant said. The party maintains that all its MPs remain united and committed to the organisation.

What Is ‘Operation Tiger’?

The phrase "Operation Tiger" has become a popular topic in Maharashtra politics in recent weeks.Political circles use the term to describe an alleged effort by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to persuade lawmakers from Shiv Sena (UBT) to switch sides.

Reports have claimed that some MPs from the Thackeray faction have been in contact with leaders from the Shinde camp. Political observers have also suggested that discussions regarding possible realignments may have taken place in Delhi in recent weeks.

The speculation gained momentum after Union Minister and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Jadhav claimed that all Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were in touch with Eknath Shinde. Reports of private meetings involving certain leaders from the Thackeray faction have further intensified rumours about possible political developments.

Shinde Camp Denies Any Defection Drive

Despite the growing political buzz, leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena have denied trying to engineer defections from rival parties. Party leaders insist that reports of "Operation Tiger" are merely speculation and have no basis in reality.

Speaking on the issue, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said the party remains focused on governance and development rather than attracting lawmakers from other parties.

“We have no interest in breaking any party. Everyone has seen the popularity of our leader, Eknath Shinde, because he is loyal to the common people and works at the grassroots level. He doesn’t work from home, and the way people are coming and joining the Shiv Sena every day, one thing is clear from that: there is an atmosphere of progress across Maharashtra," she said. Rejecting the idea of a defection operation, she added. “So, there is no Operation Tiger, but rather Operation Progress."

Uncertainty Remains Over Future Developments

While reports of a possible split continue to dominate political discussions in Maharashtra, no formal defection has taken place so far. Both camps remain engaged in a war of words, with Shiv Sena (UBT) insisting its lawmakers remain united and the Shinde faction denying any attempt to trigger defections.

The coming days are likely to determine whether the speculation develops into a major political shift or remains another chapter in Maharashtra's ongoing political intrigue.