A fresh political storm is brewing in Maharashtra as the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) holds meetings with its nine Lok Sabha MPs amid fears of poaching by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena under 'Operation Tiger'. The tiger was the symbol and mascot of the undivided Shiv Sena, drawn by party founder Bal Thackeray.
Leaders of the Shiv Sena (Shinde) claim that six MPs from the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) are likely to form a separate group and submit a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. According to Sena insiders, the breakaway faction could subsequently merge with the Shinde Sena's Lok Sabha unit.
However, one of the MPs, Sanjay Patil, has denied speculation about joining the rival camp, asserting that he has no plans to quit his party. Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has launched a scathing attack on party leaders allegedly involved in defection talks, claiming that some of them are being lured with massive financial inducements to switch sides.
Raut alleged that rebel MPs have been promised ₹50 crore, with ₹15 crore being paid in advance. The BJP has distanced itself from the alleged operation, with Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stating that the party has nothing to do with Operation Tiger.
