'Only One Shiv Sena Exists Now': Amit Shah's Remark Amid 'Operation Tiger' Buzz In Maharashtra

Last Updated:June 20, 2026, 15:48 IST

Amit Shah backs Eknath Shinde, says there is only one Shiv Sena, boosting Shinde camp amid Operation Tiger buzz and speculation over Maharashtra political realignments.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday declared that there is now only one Shiv Sena, backing Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction amid growing political speculation surrounding the ruling alliance in the state.

Addressing a gathering, Shah said that the political situation had changed dramatically since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena.

“Earlier, Shinde was called a faction. Now only one Shiv Sena exists, there is no other faction," Shah said.

Remark Comes Amid ‘Operation Tiger’ Speculation

Shah’s statement comes at a time when political circles in Maharashtra are abuzz with talk of “Operation Tiger" — a term being used by Shiv Sena leaders to hint at possible political developments and potential defections of Shiv Sena UBT MPs.

The remark is being seen as a strong endorsement of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which was recognised by the Election Commission as the official Shiv Sena following the split with the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp.

Boost For Shinde Camp

The Home Minister’s comments are likely to provide a morale boost to the Shinde faction, which has repeatedly asserted that it represents the original ideology and legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.

Shinde himself recently fuelled speculation by declaring, “Yeh to sirf trailer hai, picture abhi baaki hai," while addressing party workers, suggesting that more political developments could be on the horizon.

He also described his MPs and MLAs as the party’s “treasured possessions" and asserted that Shiv Sena remained firmly committed to the cause of Marathi pride.

Maharashtra Politics Heats Up

The BJP-Shiv Sena alliance currently governs Maharashtra as part of the Mahayuti coalition, alongside the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party faction.

With rumours of possible realignments and defections continuing to swirl, Shah’s remarks are expected to intensify political debate over the future of the state’s opposition parties and the balance of power within Maharashtra politics.

Neither the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) nor opposition leaders immediately responded to Shah’s latest comments.

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