Maharashtra UBT MPs reject Operation Tiger defection claims

Maharashtra is facing renewed political turmoil amid intense speculation that a majority of Shiv Sena Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray (UBT) Members of Parliament are preparing to defect to the rival faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The claims, centered on a political maneuver dubbed "Operation Tiger," have been forcefully denied by UBT leaders, who convened a meeting of their nine Lok Sabha MPs on Sunday, June 14, to project unity.

The defection rumors gained momentum after Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane stated on Tuesday, June 16, that discussions with seven of the UBT's nine MPs, along with approximately 16 of its legislators, were at an advanced stage. He suggested a formal switch could occur before the upcoming monsoon session of the state legislature, which begins on June 22. Reports on Wednesday indicated that MPs from the Thackeray faction were scheduled to meet at the Delhi residence of Shiv Sena MP Srikant Shinde, with Eknath Shinde also expected to attend. Sources suggested the legislators might first form a separate group in the Lok Sabha before merging with the Shinde-led faction.

Senior UBT leader Sanjay Raut has categorically dismissed these reports as...