‘Operation Tiger’ successful, declares Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde declared 'Operation Tiger' successful, referring to the defection of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to his Shiv Sena faction. The MPs cited lack of development funds and derogatory remarks from their former party leaders as reasons for their decision, which was supported by the central BJP leadership.
Why it matters
This defection significantly alters the political landscape in Maharashtra, potentially strengthening the ruling coalition and weakening the opposition, with implications for upcoming local elections and state governance.
Operation Tiger is successful, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Sunday (June 21, 2026), adding he had never left any operation incomplete. Two of the six Lok Sabha members of the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Sunday (June 21, 2026) announced that they were slated to join Mr. Shinde. Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from Hingoli, and Omraje Nimbalkar, the party MP from Dharashiv, cited lack of development funds as one of the primary reasons for taking the decision. Mr. Ashtikar blamed the Shiv Sena UBT leaders for speaking ill against them, claiming that they took the decision only after Uddhav Thackeray’s party leaders spoke in a derogatory manner against them. “Till June 18, we had not taken any decision,” he said in a video statement.
The article reports on political developments, quoting various parties involved and providing factual details of the defection without taking a clear side.
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