Mumbai: Political tensions within Shiv Sena (UBT) escalated on Thursday after security was increased at the residences and offices of six rebel Lok Sabha MPs amid growing speculation of an imminent split in the party.
According to official sources, enhanced security arrangements were put in place following alleged threats to the MPs, who have reportedly been at the center of ongoing defection rumours.
Six MPs Skip Crucial Party Meeting
The development came shortly after six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs remained absent from a parliamentary party meeting held in New Delhi.
Only Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai and Rajabhau Waje attended the meeting, along with senior party leader Sanjay Raut. The absent MPs included Nagesh Aashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure.
Their absence has fueled speculation that they may be preparing to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
Sanjay Raut Announces Action
Reacting strongly to the absence of the MPs, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut confirmed that the party has initiated disciplinary proceedings.
Raut said show-cause notices have been issued to the six MPs, giving them seven days to explain their absence. He also indicated that the party may pursue disqualification proceedings if their responses are unsatisfactory.
“Today, we had a meeting of our parliamentary party. Three of our Lok Sabha MPs attended. The others did not come. We have already sent them a show-cause notice,” Raut said.
‘Fight Will Be in Parliament, Court and on Streets’
Raut adopted an aggressive stance, stating that the party would challenge any attempt to split the organization through political, legal and public means.
“This fight will happen in Parliament, it will happen in court, and it will also happen on the streets,” he said.
He also criticized the security arrangements provided to the rebel MPs, alleging that protection had been increased at their homes and properties amid the political turmoil.
‘Operation Tiger’ Speculation Gains Momentum
The latest developments have added momentum to discussions surrounding “Operation Tiger”—a term being used in political circles for the possible defection of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to the Shinde camp.
According to political speculation, six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs are considering switching allegiance to the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
If the move materialises, it would amount to two-thirds of the party’s strength in the Lok Sabha, potentially triggering another major realignment within Maharashtra politics.
Echoes of the 2022 Shiv Sena Split
The unfolding crisis is reminiscent of the dramatic 2022 split in Shiv Sena, when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion involving a large number of MLAs, resulting in the division of the party and the formation of a separate faction recognized by election authorities.
The latest developments suggest that Shiv Sena (UBT) may once again be facing one of its most significant political challenges since that split.
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