Fresh political speculation gripped Maharashtra on Thursday after Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi claimed that six Members of Parliament from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) had shifted their support to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The claim comes amid renewed discussion around the so-called ‘Operation Tiger’, a term being used in political circles to describe a possible movement of leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction to the Shinde camp. If confirmed, the development could trigger another round of turbulence within the party that was split in 2022.
Speaking to reporters in Dhule, Raghuvanshi welcomed the alleged move and said the MPs had reposed their faith in Shinde’s leadership.
“Operation Tiger has taken place in Maharashtra. Today, six MPs expressed their confidence in Eknath Shinde and have joined Shiv Sena. It is good that they joined us. I welcome them,” he said.
#WATCH | Dhule, Maharashtra: Shiv Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi says, “Operation Tiger has taken place in Maharashtra. Today, six MPs expressed their confidence in Eknath Shinde and have joined Shiv Sena… It is good that they joined us. I welcome them.” pic.twitter.com/d1coNhcCS7
— ANI (@ANI) June 18, 2026
Raghuvanshi argued that leaders seeking to deliver development work should align themselves with the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance.
“If we have to do a good job, then there should be some fieldwork. This was the expectation of every representative. And today, if we have to do some work in the country, then we have to go with the Shiv Sena and the BJP,” he said.
He further claimed that the MPs believed Shinde was carrying forward the legacy of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray.
“Balasaheb Thackeray was in his heart. And for this, he had self-confidence that if we have to go, then no party is worthy except for Eknath Shinde. And for this, he expressed his faith in the leadership of Eknath Shinde in the Shiv Sena,” Raghuvanshi added.
‘Operation Tiger’ speculation gains momentum
The latest remarks come against the backdrop of reports suggesting that seven of the nine Lok Sabha MPs belonging to Shiv Sena (UBT) were in touch with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The reports have fuelled speculation about another possible split in the party.
The development has drawn political attention across Maharashtra, recalling the 2022 rebellion led by Shinde that resulted in a division of the Shiv Sena into two rival factions.
Prataprao Jadhav targets Sanjay Raut
Amid the ongoing speculation, Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav criticised Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, alleging that his style of politics was harming the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.
Referring to reports about a letter submitted by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, Jadhav said the issue would now be decided by the Lok Sabha Speaker.
“Whatever letter the MPs have given is an internal matter of Shiv Sena (UBT). The Lok Sabha Speaker will take a decision on it,” he said.
Jadhav also referred to Shiv Sena’s Foundation Day celebrations scheduled for June 19 and said those committed to Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology would participate.
“Tomorrow is Shiv Sena’s foundation day and those who believe in Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology will attend,” he said.