‘Operation Tiger’ Roars Louder: Six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Skip Parliamentary Panel Meet Amid Defection Buzz

New Delhi: The political turbulence surrounding the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) intensified on Wednesday after six of its Members of Parliament skipped an important parliamentary committee meeting, further fueling speculation about a possible rebellion within the party. The absences have added momentum to what political circles are increasingly referring to as “Operation Tiger”—an alleged effort aimed at engineering defections from the Uddhav camp and reshaping Maharashtra’s political landscape. The development comes at a sensitive time for Shiv Sena (UBT), which has been battling organizational challenges since the dramatic split of the original Shiv Sena in 2022. While party leaders have attempted to dismiss reports of internal unrest, the simultaneous absence of multiple MPs from an official parliamentary engagement has raised fresh questions about the unity and future direction of the party. According to sources, the MPs who skipped the meeting have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for their absence, creating a political vacuum quickly filled by speculation. Opposition leaders and political observers have linked the move to growing reports of dissatisfaction among some parliamentarians who are believed to be unhappy with the party’s current strategy, leadership structure, and electoral prospects. The term “Operation Tiger” has emerged as a symbolic reference to the Shiv Sena’s iconic tiger emblem and alleged efforts by rival political forces to attract leaders from the Uddhav faction. Reports suggest that several MPs and senior leaders have been approached by political intermediaries with promises of greater influence and political opportunities if they choose to break ranks. For Uddhav Thackeray, the situation represents another major test of leadership. Ever since the Eknath Shinde-led rebellion split the Shiv Sena and led to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government, the former Chief Minister has sought to rebuild the party’s organizational structure while simultaneously fighting legal and political battles over the Sena’s legacy and identity. The absence of six MPs is particularly significant because parliamentary strength remains one of the key indicators of a party’s political relevance at the national level. Any substantial erosion in the party’s representation in Parliament could weaken its bargaining power within opposition alliances and complicate its strategy ahead of future elections. Political analysts believe that Maharashtra remains one of India’s most fluid political battlegrounds. The state has witnessed dramatic shifts in alliances, unexpected defections, and repeated power struggles over the past several years. In such an environment, even routine parliamentary developments are often interpreted through the lens of larger political calculations. The ruling alliance has remained largely silent on the controversy, although leaders from rival parties have hinted that more political surprises could be in store. Such statements have only intensified speculation regarding the future of the absent MPs and whether their actions represent individual decisions or part of a broader coordinated move. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders continue to project confidence, insisting that the party remains united and that reports of an impending split are exaggerated. Party insiders argue that political opponents are deliberately spreading rumors to create uncertainty and weaken morale among workers and supporters. Yet the optics are difficult to ignore. In politics, attendance often carries symbolic value, and the simultaneous absence of six MPs from an important parliamentary committee meeting inevitably attracts attention. Whether it was a coincidence, a protest, or a signal of deeper discontent remains unclear. The coming days are likely to be crucial. If the MPs return to party activities and publicly reaffirm their loyalty, the controversy may fade quickly. However, if further signs of dissent emerge, Maharashtra could witness another chapter in the continuing saga of Shiv Sena’s internal struggle. For now, “Operation Tiger” remains more a subject of political intrigue than established fact. But in a state where political surprises have become increasingly common, even a missed meeting can trigger speculation about the next major realignment. As questions continue to swirl around the absent MPs, all eyes are on Uddhav Thackeray and whether he can once again hold his party together in the face of mounting pressure.