This development arises amid rumors surrounding ‘Operation Tiger’, which drew attention after several MPs absent themselves from a Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary gathering…
1/8Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) is confronted with a new political hurdle as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs plan to join Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s faction. This shift is likely to provide the Shinde camp the two-thirds majority necessary to evade disqualification under the anti-defection law. The intrigue around ‘Operation Tiger’ intensified after these MPs were absent from a Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary meeting in Delhi. Below is the list of the six MPs anticipated to join Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena at 3 pm today. (Image X)
2/8Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East) | Sanjay Dina Patil stands out as a key figure of Shiv Sena (UBT) in Mumbai. As a former MLA and current Lok Sabha MP for Mumbai North East, he has significantly influenced the party’s suburban framework. His potential departure poses a considerable challenge to the Thackeray faction in the financial capital. (Image X)
3/8Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani) | A three-term MP from Parbhani, Sanjay Jadhav has been a loyal supporter of the Thackeray family. Previously representing the Parbhani Assembly constituency, he transitioned to the Lok Sabha in 2014. His potential switch is especially notable given that Parbhani largely remained loyal to Uddhav Thackeray post the 2022 division. (Image X)
4/8Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim) | Popularly known as ’Sanjay Bhau’, Deshmukh serves as a first-term Lok Sabha MP from Yavatmal-Washim. His political career began with the undivided Shiv Sena, and he previously held the position of Yavatmal district chief in 1998. His election victory in 2024 came at the expense of the Shinde Sena candidate. (Image X)
5/8Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv) | Serving his second term as MP from Dharashiv, Omraje Nimbalkar is part of a notable political lineage in Maharashtra. His entry into electoral politics began as an MLA in 2009, culminating in Lok Sabha victories in 2019 and 2024. Recently, he confirmed his choice to join the Shinde-led faction after discussions with his local supporters. (Image YouTube)
6/8Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi) | A seasoned politician, Bhausaheb Wakchaure serves as a second-term MP for the Ahilyanagar district. He has been an advocate for farmer rights, irrigation, and rural advancement, entering the Lok Sabha in 2009 from Shirdi. His political career has seen several transformations over time. (Image Facebook)
7/8Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli) | A newly elected MP from Hingoli, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar ascended through the cooperative sector before entering formal politics. He previously chaired the Hadgaon Agricultural Produce Market Committee, won the Hadgaon Assembly seat, and recently secured the Hingoli Lok Sabha victory. He confirmed joining the Shinde faction, claiming he has merely changed factions within the Shiv Sena while upholding his principles, according to the Tribune. (Image Instagram)
8/8What Is ‘Operation Tiger’? The unfolding events come amidst speculation about a secret initiative called “Operation Tiger”, under which six MPs are said to have avoided a Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary meeting in Delhi. They reportedly approached Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for recognition as a separate group. If their merger succeeds, it would represent a significant blow to Uddhav Thackeray’s party since the 2022 division. (Image X)
