Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 15: A meeting convened by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his residence, Matoshree, has reignited speculation about possible defections within the party after several Lok Sabha MPs skipped the gathering in person, exposing underlying tensions within the organisation.

Although party leaders projected an image of unity, only four of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs attended Sunday's meeting physically, while the remaining five joined through video conferencing or telephone.

The development immediately drew criticism from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.

"Uddhav Thackeray ran his government through Facebook Live sessions. Now his MPs are attending meetings the same way. This reflects his weakening grip over the party," Shiv Sena spokesperson Sheetal Mhatre remarked.

The meeting was held amid growing political chatter surrounding "Operation Tiger", an alleged strategy by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and his supporters to engineer another split within the Shiv Sena and further weaken the Uddhav Thackeray camp.

Political observers note that securing the support of six MPs would be crucial for Shinde under the anti-defection provisions of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

A two-thirds majority would enable a breakaway group to avoid disqualification, effectively diminishing Uddhav Thackeray's parliamentary presence while strengthening Shinde's claim as the legitimate political heir to Balasaheb Thackeray's legacy.

Such a development could also deal a significant blow to the UBT faction at a time when the Supreme Court is still examining issues related to the original 2022 split in the party.

While Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut dismissed reports of possible defections and even threatened a counter-strategy dubbed "Operation Wolf" aimed at attracting legislators from Shinde's camp, party insiders acknowledge the mounting challenges confronting the organisation.

Several factors are reportedly contributing to unease among MPs.

Political leaders in the opposition face increasing financial pressures, particularly with key municipal and state assembly elections approaching.

Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav recently highlighted these concerns, noting that financial considerations play a crucial role during elections and that future political developments remain uncertain.

Additionally, Shiv Sena (UBT), as a constituent of the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance alongside the Congress and Sharad Pawar's NCP faction, faces the challenge of accommodating allies in seat-sharing arrangements.

Some MPs fear that surrendering assembly segments or municipal wards could weaken their long-term grassroots support.

Despite Uddhav Thackeray becoming more accessible to party leaders since the 2022 split, dissatisfaction reportedly persists among several rural and semi-urban representatives who feel that decision-making remains concentrated among Mumbai-based leaders.

During a press conference after the meeting, Sanjay Raut offered explanations for the absence of the five MPs.

He said Yavatmal MP Sanjay Deshmukh was occupied with his daughter's wedding preparations, Shirdi MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure was attending to his hospitalised wife, and Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar was engaged in local legislative council election responsibilities.

However, sources within the party indicate that concerns remain.

Party leadership had reportedly expected all MPs to stay in Mumbai over the weekend and participate in programmes linked to Aaditya Thackeray's birthday celebrations as a show of solidarity.

The absence of five MPs over the two-day period has been interpreted by some leaders as a subtle sign of discontent.

Adding to the speculation are recent political interactions involving several MPs.

Nagesh Patil Ashtikar was recently seen visiting Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's official residence, Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje reportedly met Shinde's son and MP Shrikant Shinde, while Shirdi MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure held discussions with Industries Minister Uday Samant.

Political analysts believe Uddhav Thackeray now faces the challenge of moving beyond damage control and addressing the concerns of regional leaders more proactively.

They argue that unless the party can provide stronger organisational support, financial backing and assurances regarding seat-sharing arrangements within the MVA alliance, signs of internal dissatisfaction could intensify.

For now, "Operation Tiger" remains a subject of speculation, but many observers believe the political battle for Shiv Sena's future is far from over and could escalate further as Maharashtra moves closer to upcoming elections.