‘Operation Tiger’: Aaditya Thackeray calls six dissident Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs ‘shameless and ungrateful’

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray on Friday (June 19, 2026) termed his party’s dissident MPs “shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt” individuals who betrayed those that helped them win in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. This is first reaction on the matter amid speculation about the alleged rebellion of six Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) which could lead to a split in the party for a second time in a span of four years.

In a rebellion dubbed as ‘Operation Tiger’, the six Sena (UBT) MPs in question — Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar — are likely to join the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

On a day when the party celebrates its 60th foundation day, Mr. Thackeray said that only his party’s symbol ‘torch’ will bring light ‘in this darkness’.

In a post on X, Mr. Thackeray said Maharashtra will not tolerate this filthy politics. “Today is your 60th anniversary! Once again, we are witnessing a shocking example of filthy politics. These shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt individuals those who won in 2024 because of certain people-are now betraying them!” he wrote.

He claimed that the breakaway leaders had sold themselves. “No matter how many excuses you give. The truth is just one. You have shamelessly sold yourself out. Not only have you sold yourself, but along with that, you’ve also staked your reputation, your name, and your family’s name. Maharashtra will not tolerate this filthy politics,” Mr. Thackeray warned.

On Thursday (June 18, 2026), the six lawmakers did not attend the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting convened in New Delhi. The party issued a show cause notice to them for violating the whip.

Sanjay Raut’s latest claims

Meanwhile, Sena (UBT)’s lone Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut on Friday (June 19, 2026) claimed that there was disagreement among the party's dissident MPs over who from among them would become a Union minister, and that a settlement has been reached to provide additional ₹25 crore to those who will not get the opportunity.

Talking to reporters, Mr. Raut said, "There are clashes in the rebel group over who will become minister at the Centre." "Only one among the six can become minister, so it has been decided and a settlement has been made that the rest will be given an additional ₹25 crore (for the switchover).”

He also attacked the Maharashtra government for granting 'Y-plus' security to rebel MPs, and dared them to roam without any protection.

"The police department is only for the protection of traitors. This is a waste of public money," Mr. Raut said, adding that the dissident MPs should first resign and seek fresh mandate from the people.