Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray is facing a leadership crisis as two of the faction’s six rebel MPs formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Sunday. This shift, part of a broader strategy known as “Operation Tiger,” could lead to further defections among MPs and up to 45 corporators in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
Why is Shiv Sena (UBT) facing a crisis?
The Thackeray-led faction is experiencing a significant blow following the formal announcement of defections by two rebel MPs on Sunday. Hingoli lawmaker Nagesh Ashtikar announced his decision to switch via a Facebook live session, while Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar also decided to join the Shinde-led faction.
Nimbalkar’s decision followed a sessions court’s acquittal of all accused in the murder case involving his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar, on Saturday. Thackeray had reportedly made a final attempt to persuade Nimbalkar to remain with the party following the verdict.
Addressing the situation during an outreach programme in Mumbai’s North East parliamentary constituency, Thackeray accused the defectors of betraying the party and the people. He stated that the MPs were seeking “power and money” and emphasized that the party’s legacy was built on protecting Marathi rights.
“Shiv Sena’s politically legacy was built around protecting the rights of Marathi people and there could be only one Shiv Sena. In 2024 we fought against Prime Minister Narendra Modi led alliance and still won with people’s support. Now by detecting for power and money these MPs betrayed party and people,” Thackeray said on Sunday.
How does “Operation Tiger” influence these defections?
According to reports from HT, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena began implementing a strategy labeled “Operation Tiger” following the defeat of the delimitation bill in Parliament. The strategy was reportedly developed shortly after the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Sources aware of the developments suggest that Eknath Shinde and his son, Kalyan MP Shrikant Shinde, worked to convince BJP leadership at the Centre that the Sena could increase its numbers. This involved urging MPs from the UBT faction to switch sides.
The current movement of MPs may pave the way for four more defections within the UBT faction. The rebellion has reportedly pushed the Thackeray-led group into a state of crisis.
Could the BMC see mass defections?
The political shift appears to be extending into the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Political discussions regarding potential defections have intensified within the corporation in recent weeks.
Amey Ghole, a Shiv Sena leader in the BMC, claimed that interest in joining the Shinde faction is growing among UBT corporators. Ghole stated that at least 45 corporators are currently aspiring to join the Shinde faction.
Ghole noted that while Sanjay Raut had previously dismissed reports of MP defections as rumours, those defections eventually occurred. The potential move of 45 corporators would meet the two-thirds benchmark necessary to prevent disqualification under anti-defection laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MPs have formally joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena?
Hingoli lawmaker Nagesh Ashtikar and Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar formally announced their decision to join the Shinde-led faction on Sunday.
What is the significance of the number 45 in the BMC context?
According to Shiv Sena leader Amey Ghole, 45 corporators are aspiring to join the Shinde faction. This number is considered a “magic figure” because it represents the two-thirds threshold needed to avoid disqualification under anti-defection provisions.
What was Uddhav Thackeray’s response to the defections?
Thackeray stated that the defecting MPs betrayed the party and the people for power and money, asserting that there can only be one Shiv Sena built on protecting Marathi rights.
How will these shifts in parliamentary and municipal numbers impact the future of the Shiv Sena factions?
