Leaders of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) party denied reports that members of parliament are defecting to the rival faction led by Eknath Shinde.

The stability of the UBT faction is critical as internal rifts threaten to weaken the party's legislative influence in Maharashtra and Delhi.

Party officials, including MPs Anil Desai and Sanjay Raut, said they reject the narrative that their members are joining the Shinde camp [1]. These denials come amid widespread speculation regarding a coordinated effort to attract dissidents, often referred to in reports as "Operation Tiger" [1].

Conflicting reports suggest the scale of the potential exodus. Some sources indicate that up to 16 MLAs and six MPs may eye an exit from the UBT [3]. Other reports place the potential number of departing MPs as high as seven [4].

Pratap Sarnaik, a loyalist to Eknath Shinde, said the rival faction is receptive to those wishing to switch sides. "Our doors are open," Sarnaik said [2].

To address the instability, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has called a crucial meeting of MLAs and MLCs. The gathering is scheduled for June 22, 2024, at 4 p.m. at Shivalaya near Mantralaya in Mumbai [5]. The party intends to use this meeting to project unity and counter the narrative of a looming split.

The tension reflects a broader struggle for the legacy and legal control of the original Shiv Sena party, with both factions vying for legitimacy and numerical strength in the state assembly [2].

“"Our doors are open"”

The potential defection of lawmakers from the UBT to the Shinde faction would significantly shift the balance of power in Maharashtra's legislative bodies. If the rumored exits of up to seven MPs and 16 MLAs materialize, it could diminish Uddhav Thackeray's bargaining power and further consolidate Eknath Shinde's control over the party's infrastructure.