Black flags shown to Shrikant Shinde’s convoy in Nanded; MP says 'Operation Tiger’ not over

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Political tensions flared in parts of Nanded district on Wednesday after Shiv Sena (UBT) workers staged protests against MP Shrikant Shinde, the son of deputy CM Eknath Shinde, by waving black flags at his convoy.The protests come amid the defection of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to Eknath Shinde-led party. Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has urged party workers to intensify protests against rebel leaders under a campaign he has termed “Operation Tudva.”Shinde was travelling from Nanded airport to Sarkhani village for a party programme when groups of protesters gathered along the route, particularly in Mahur and near Anjankhed in Kinwat taluka.

Carrying black and saffron flags along with placards, the demonstrators raised slogans of “Gaddar, Gaddar” (traiter, traiter) and condemned the rebel MPs.Police personnel deployed in large numbers intervened as protesters attempted to approach the convoy. Several individuals were taken into preventive custody to avert any untoward incidents. Traffic movement was briefly disrupted too. The convoy, which also included Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar — another defector — proceeded to Sarkhani under tight security.

Speaking to reporters before leaving for Sarkhani, Shinde said his party’s “Operation Tiger” would continue. He also criticised the Thackeray leadership, calling for introspection over recent defections. “I have only stated facts. There is a need for self-introspection,” Shinde said, adding that criticism and abusive rhetoric would not yield political results.He questioned the change in perception around politicians who left the UBT faction, asking why individuals considered acceptable earlier were now being labelled negatively. “You (Uddhav) toured six constituencies, and when you returned to Mumbai, you were welcomed by Sachin Ahir. Politics cannot be done by abusing me, our leader or our party workers,” Shinde added.