Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has asserted that there can be only one Shiv Sena, as his party faces a fresh political challenge following the defection of several Members of Parliament to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
Addressing party workers during an outreach programme in Mumbai’s North East Lok Sabha constituency, Thackeray said the Shiv Sena’s identity was built on protecting the rights and interests of Marathi people and could not be divided.
“Shiv Sena’s political legacy was built around safeguarding Marathi pride and there can only be one Shiv Sena. We fought against the BJP-led alliance in 2024 and secured public support. Those who are leaving now for power and money have betrayed both the party and the people,” Thackeray said.
Fresh Defections Deepen Crisis for Shiv Sena (UBT)
The statement comes amid growing unrest within Shiv Sena (UBT). Two of the six rebel MPs formally announced their decision to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, dealing a significant setback to Thackeray’s faction.
Among the prominent leaders switching sides is Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar, who reportedly took the decision after a court verdict in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar. Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtikar also publicly confirmed his defection through a social media broadcast.
The developments are being viewed as part of a broader political strategy aimed at strengthening the Shinde-led Shiv Sena both in Maharashtra and at the national level.
‘Operation Tiger’ Gains Momentum
Political observers have linked the recent defections to the Shiv Sena’s internal campaign known as “Operation Tiger.” According to reports, the strategy was conceptualised after the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly elections and later accelerated following parliamentary developments related to the Delimitation Bill.
Senior leaders in the Shinde camp reportedly believe that attracting more legislators and MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) will strengthen the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and expand the party’s influence in Maharashtra.
The campaign has already led to significant political shifts and could trigger further defections in the coming months.
Focus Shifts to Mumbai Civic Politics
The impact of Operation Tiger is now extending beyond Parliament and into the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), where speculation over possible defections continues to intensify.
Leaders from the Shinde faction claim that several Shiv Sena (UBT) corporators are considering joining their camp. Party representatives have suggested that the number could be large enough to meet anti-defection requirements if a formal crossover takes place.
If these claims materialise, the political balance within Mumbai’s civic administration could witness a major transformation ahead of future municipal elections.
Battle for Bal Thackeray’s Legacy Continues
The latest political developments underscore the ongoing struggle between Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde over the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
Since the party split in 2022, both factions have sought to establish themselves as the true inheritors of the Shiv Sena’s ideology and voter base. The Election Commission’s decision to award the Shiv Sena name and symbol to the Shinde faction further intensified the rivalry.
With more defections expected and local body elections on the horizon, the battle for control of Maharashtra’s political landscape appears far from over.
