Six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) joined Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena on Monday [1].
The defection represents a significant loss of parliamentary strength for the UBT faction. It bolsters the ruling Shiv Sena's numbers in Parliament and weakens Uddhav Thackeray's influence over the party's legislative legacy.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced the move in Mumbai, where meetings took place at his Nandanvan residence [2]. Shinde said the strategic crossover was "Operation Tiger" [1].
"Operation Tiger is complete now," Shinde said [1].
Reports indicate the MPs switched sides to avoid possible disqualification under India's anti-defection laws [3]. While some reports suggest all six rebel members officially crossed over [1], other accounts indicate two MPs may not have signed the letter supporting the split [4].
This internal shift follows weeks of speculation regarding the loyalty of UBT members. Earlier this month, MLA Abdul Sattar said that any decision on a formal merger of the factions rested solely with the party chiefs [5].
Shinde said the joining members were "dhurandhar," a term implying they are seasoned or veteran political players [1]. The move further consolidates Shinde's control over the Shiv Sena brand in Maharashtra.
“"Operation Tiger is complete now,"”
This crossover shifts the balance of power within the fractured Shiv Sena, leaving Uddhav Thackeray with diminished leverage in the Lok Sabha. By absorbing these MPs, Eknath Shinde strengthens his position as the primary representative of the party's interests in the central government and reduces the risk of legal challenges regarding party leadership and legitimacy.
