Weak Attendance Triggers Fresh Split Speculation
A major political setback appears to be unfolding within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) after only three out of nine Lok Sabha MPs attended a crucial party meeting in New Delhi. The low attendance has intensified speculation about internal rebellion and possible defections to the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The meeting was convened under strict instructions, including a three-line whip, making the absence of six MPs politically significant and raising questions about party unity at a critical moment.
MPs Absent Despite Party Whip
According to reports, MPs Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, and Rajabhau Waje were present at the meeting, while six others skipped the session despite formal directives. The absent MPs include Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Omraje Nimbalkar, and Sanjay Dina Patil.
The failure of a majority of MPs to comply with the whip has fueled concerns that a coordinated group within the party may be aligning with rival political interests, further deepening the crisis within the UBT camp.
Raut’s Strong Reaction Escalates Tensions
Senior leader Sanjay Raut strongly criticized the absent MPs, calling them “traitors” and accusing them of betraying the party’s mandate. His remarks reflect the growing frustration within the leadership as allegations of a possible engineered split continue to circulate.
Raut also defended the party’s procedural compliance, stating that a formal whip had been issued and attendance was mandatory for all MPs, further highlighting the seriousness of the internal conflict.
Defection Buzz And “Operation Tiger” Speculation
The developments come amid ongoing speculation about a possible mass defection of UBT MPs to the Shinde-led faction, reportedly under a strategy referred to in political circles as “Operation Tiger.” While no official confirmation has been made, the attendance crisis has strengthened claims that the split narrative may already be in motion.
Political observers suggest that the current situation could reshape the balance of power within Maharashtra politics, especially ahead of future electoral battles, although formal crossovers have not yet been announced. The unfolding situation continues to place the UBT leadership under pressure as it attempts to maintain organizational stability amid rising factional tensions.
