In a move to maintain party unity amidst rumors of defections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray held a crucial meeting with all party legislators. The meeting, coinciding with the start of the state legislature’s monsoon session, aimed at devising strategies and demonstrating solidarity. The gathering was prompted by the political upheaval surrounding “Operation Tiger,” an alleged attempt by a rival faction to lure Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs.
Six rebel UBT MPs officially joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena during a separate event, while 22 out of the party’s total 26 state legislators attended the meeting. To exhibit unity during the crisis, the legislators concluded the meeting with a group photo alongside Thackeray. Despite the absence of four lawmakers, party sources clarified that they had obtained prior permission due to personal commitments and election-related duties.
During the session, Thackeray urged lawmakers to mount a strong defense inside the House against the opposition’s efforts to secure the Leader of the Opposition post. Legislators were instructed to focus on key public issues like farmers’ concerns, water scarcity in regions like Vidarbha and Marathwada, and Mumbai’s issues. Sena (UBT) MLC Ambadas Danve highlighted the directive for an aggressive approach post-meeting.
Thackeray also advised his MLAs and MLCs to engage actively in the constituencies of the rumored defecting MPs. The political scenario escalated after a parliamentary meeting in New Delhi where only three out of nine Lok Sabha MPs were physically present. The party’s leadership countered claims of defection, with former minister Aaditya Thackeray accusing the ruling alliance of prioritizing political maneuvers over governance.
Senior leader Sanjay Raut dismissed the defection allegations as baseless, affirming the loyalty of the three Lok Sabha MPs to Uddhav Thackeray. Thackeray announced a three-day tour to visit constituencies from where the party MPs had defected to the Shinde faction.
