Fresh speculation over a possible split in the Shiv Sena (UBT) intensified on Tuesday after party MP Sanjay Raut alleged that lawmakers from the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit were being offered Rs 15 crore each to switch allegiance to the rival Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The allegation comes amid growing political chatter around ‘Operation Tiger’, a term being used in Maharashtra’s political circles following reports that several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could cross over to the ruling alliance before the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Posting on X, Raut claimed attempts were being made to entice MPs from his party.
“Apna Sapna Money Money! It’s shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered Rs 15 crore each tonight to switch sides,” he wrote.
अपना सपना मनी..मनी..!
Apna Sapna Money Money!
It’s shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered ₹15 crore each tonight to switch sides.@Dev_Fadnavis
— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) June 16, 2026
Raut dismisses reports of MP rebellion
Earlier in the day, Raut rejected reports suggesting that five Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were preparing to form a separate group.
Addressing a press conference, he said all party MPs had recently attended a meeting convened by Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and reiterated their commitment to his leadership.
“This is a lie. We have no such information. Four days ago, all these MPs took part in a meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray and expressed faith in his leadership. Of them, some of the leaders swore by their loved ones pledging support to Uddhav,” Raut said.
Shinde camp rejects poaching charge
Leaders from the Shinde-led Shiv Sena denied suggestions that the party was attempting to weaken its rival.
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC said there was no effort to break any political outfit and attributed Eknath Shinde’s popularity to his work among ordinary people.
“We have no interest in breaking any party. Everyone has seen the popularity of our leader, Eknath Shinde, because he is loyal to the common people and works at the grassroots level. He doesn’t work from home,” she told ANI.
At the same time, Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane fuelled speculation by claiming that talks with seven Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had reached an advanced stage.
According to Tumane, those MPs could join the Shinde faction before Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
‘Operation Tiger’ speculation returns
The latest developments have revived memories of the dramatic 2022 split in Shiv Sena, when Eknath Shinde and a large group of MLAs broke away from Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership, resulting in the division of the party.
Political discussions in Maharashtra have since centred on reports that seven of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs were in touch with leaders of the Shinde camp.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam claimed that the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction was steadily losing support among its elected representatives.
“The party called Ubatha is slowly dying,” said Nirupam, adding: “Their MLA and MP no longer have faith in Ubatha’s leadership. By 2029, the party will be finished. People are leaving Ubatha every day. As far as their MPs are concerned, we have nothing to do with it. This is an internal matter of their party.”