Six Shiv Sena UBT MPs Switch to Eknath Shinde Faction in Maharashtra
Six rebel Members of Parliament (MPs) have switched their political allegiance from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction to the rival faction led by Eknath Shinde in Maharashtra. The defection, which has been described as a major development in the state's ongoing political crisis, was declared a success under an initiative named 'Operation Tiger'.
The political shift has directly impacted the balance of power between the two competing factions of the Shiv Sena. By securing the support of the six rebel MPs, Eknath Shinde's faction has further strengthened its position and its claim as the 'real Shiv Sena'.
Meanwhile, the departure of these lawmakers has delivered a significant blow to the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, which is led by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. The loss of these six MPs further weakens Thackeray's faction at a time when the group has been grappling with internal instability and holding meetings with its remaining Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
The development is part of a broader, ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra that has divided the original Shiv Sena party into two opposing camps. The faction led by Eknath Shinde has consistently sought to consolidate its power and establish its legitimacy, while the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has struggled to retain its elected representatives and maintain its political influence.
The ongoing political crisis in Maharashtra has seen multiple shifts in loyalty since the party split, but the crossover of six MPs at once represents a notable escalation in the rivalry between Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray. The Shinde faction's successful execution of 'Operation Tiger' highlights the continuing challenges faced by the Shiv Sena (UBT) in keeping its coalition of legislators and representatives intact.
While the defection of the six rebel MPs has been confirmed as a success under 'Operation Tiger', official details regarding the specific names of the departing MPs and the exact timeline of their transition have not been formally released.
