'Operation Devendra' Claim Meets 'I Don't Have Wings' Jibe: Uddhav, Fadnavis Lock Horns Again

Last Updated:June 29, 2026, 10:29 IST

The exchange comes at a politically sensitive moment for Uddhav Thackeray, whose faction suffered a setback after 6 of its 9 Lok Sabha MPs joined the Eknath Shinde camp last week

A fresh political war of words has erupted in Maharashtra between Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, with both leaders locking horns days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs switched to the Eknath Shinde-led Sena faction.

Addressing a rally in Hingoli, Thackeray claimed that the BJP’s much-discussed ‘Operation Tiger’ was, in reality, ‘Operation Devendra’, calling it an exercise allegedly designed not against the opposition, but to keep Fadnavis from emerging as a future prime ministerial contender.

“The MPs defected despite there being no elections. Why didn’t they join the BJP instead? I suspect this is actually ‘Operation Devendra’. [Amit] Shah might have orchestrated it to keep Fadnavis at a certain level so that he does not enter the race for the prime minister’s post. If the need arises tomorrow, these rebels will vote for Amit Shah for the post of prime minister," Thackeray said.

He further alleged that ‘Operation Tiger’ was aimed at helping the BJP-led NDA secure a two-thirds majority in the Lok Sabha ahead of the proposed delimitation exercise.

Fadnavis Hits Back

Speaking to reporters after reviewing infrastructure projects in Palghar, Fadnavis dismissed the claim, saying his entire concentration was on development. “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," the chief minister added.

His response came as the BJP sought to brush aside speculation surrounding both the defections and his equation with Thackeray.

Political Buzz After Shared Flight

The exchange also comes just days after Fadnavis and Thackeray unexpectedly travelled on the same commercial flight from Mumbai to Nagpur, triggering intense political speculation amid the Shiv Sena rebellion. The flight also carried Aaditya Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut.

Downplaying the encounter, Fadnavis joked that the real headline was not the shared journey itself. “The three of them, Uddhav Thackeray, Sanjay Raut and I myself, were together on the flight is the biggest news," he told TV9 Marathi.

The BJP also insisted there was no political significance to the meeting, describing it as a coincidence and noting that political rivals need not be personal enemies.

Shiv Sena Split Back In Focus

The latest exchange comes at a politically sensitive moment for Thackeray, whose faction suffered a major setback after six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena last week, strengthening the ruling Mahayuti alliance. The defections have reignited questions over the future of the Shiv Sena (UBT) and intensified the political confrontation between the Thackeray and Shinde camps.

About the Author

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is a News Editor at News18.com with a keen interest in politics and current affairs. She loves uncovering fresh angles and telling stories through long-form features and explainers. Foll...Read More

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