Defection Fears? Uddhav Thackeray Calls Meeting Of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Amid 'Operation Tiger' Buzz

Last Updated:June 14, 2026, 12:02 IST

According to party sources, the meeting has been convened to review organizational matters and assess the current political situation.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of all nine party MPs at his residence, Matoshree, in Mumbai on Sunday. The development comes amid the buzz that some MPs might cross over to the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, under “Operation Tiger".

According to party sources, the meeting has been convened to review organizational matters and assess the current political situation. Reports of some MPs being in contact with the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde have triggered discussions within the party ranks, prompting the leadership to bring all parliamentarians together for consultations.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut downplayed the significance of the meeting being linked to any internal crisis. He described it as a routine organizational exercise, stating that such meetings are a standard practice similar to those held with party legislators.

Raut further said that all MPs are expected to attend the meeting, and those unable to be physically present will join via video conferencing for discussions.

Addressing the ongoing political chatter around “Operation Tiger," Raut said such claims have been circulating for the past two years but have not materialized. He also criticized the opposition, alleging that the narrative is being used for political messaging.

In contrast, Maharashtra cabinet minister and Shiv Sena leader from the Shinde faction Sanjay Shirsat rejected allegations of any such operation. He stated that no “Operation Tiger" is being conducted and claimed that several leaders from the UBT faction are in contact with Deputy CM Eknath Shinde.

Shirsat added that some leaders seek to raise their concerns with the leadership, and any decisions regarding MPs or leaders would ultimately rest with Eknath Shinde.

The developments come amid ongoing tensions between the two Shiv Sena factions, which have remained politically divided since the party split, with both sides continuing to assert influence over elected representatives and organizational structure.

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