CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Discussions have once again intensified in Maharashtra politics over a possible split within Shiv Sena (UBT). After Eknath Shinde’s rebellion in 2022, speculation that several party MPs may now move to the Shinde camp has created a fresh challenge for Uddhav Thackeray. Recent developments are being viewed in political circles as “Operation Tiger”.
According to sources, 6 of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s 9 Lok Sabha MPs are said to be preparing to form a separate group and go with the Shinde faction. Reports said some MPs have also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to clarify their position. If that happens, it will be seen as the biggest political setback for Uddhav Thackeray since 2022.
Amid rising speculation, Uddhav Thackeray has called emergency meetings of party MPs and senior leaders. The party leadership is continuously trying to keep the organisation united. At the same time, a three-line whip has also been issued to keep MPs in line with the party stand.
Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders Sanjay Raut, Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai have also met the Lok Sabha Speaker and registered their objections against any possible split. The party has demanded that constitutional and legal procedures be followed before any separate group is granted recognition.
However, some of the MPs whose names are being linked to the rebellion have publicly reiterated their loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray. This clearly indicates that the picture is not yet fully clear and that the final decision may take some time.
Political analysts believe that if a group of six MPs actually joins the Shinde faction, Shinde’s strength in the Lok Sabha will increase and the balance of power in Maharashtra politics could shift once again. On the other hand, for Uddhav Thackeray, this will be a major test of organisational survival and leadership capacity.
For now, Maharashtra politics is focused on June 19 and the developments that follow. It will be interesting to see whether Uddhav Thackeray succeeds in keeping his party united or whether Shiv Sena witnesses another major split.
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