The political battle within Maharashtra's Shiv Sena has taken another dramatic turn, with Shiv Sena (UBT) MLC Sachin Ahir joining the Eknath Shinde-led faction. The move marks yet another setback for former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, coming just days after six Lok Sabha MPs deserted the Uddhav camp to align with Shinde.
Soon after switching sides, Ahir filed his nomination as the Shiv Sena candidate for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, underlining the confidence reposed in him by the Shinde leadership. His induction is being viewed as another major success for Shinde's much-discussed political strategy, popularly known as "Operation Tiger," aimed at expanding his party by bringing leaders from rival political camps, particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT), into his fold.
Ahir's exit follows one of the biggest political setbacks suffered by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena since the party's split. Just days earlier, six Lok Sabha MPs elected on the Shiv Sena (UBT) ticket formally joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The defections were preceded by the MPs skipping an important parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi, signalling their impending move. Their absence left only three Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs in attendance, exposing the growing cracks within the party.
The six MPs who crossed over are Sanjay Deshmukh from Yavatmal, Sanjay Jadhav from Parbhani, Sanjay Dina Patil from Mumbai North East, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar from Hingoli, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar from Dharashiv, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure from Shirdi.
The rebel MPs formally joined the Shinde faction during a function held at the Yashwantrao Chavan Pratishthan in south Mumbai, attended by Eknath Shinde and several senior party leaders.
Welcoming the leaders into the party, Shinde described them as experienced politicians with deep grassroots connections and declared his political mission a success.
"My operations are foolproof. Operation Tiger is now complete and successful," Shinde said while referring to the defecting MPs as seasoned leaders who enjoy strong public support.
The phrase "Operation Tiger" has since become synonymous with the Shinde faction's sustained campaign to attract elected representatives from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena, steadily strengthening its political position in Maharashtra.
The defections carry significant political implications. All six MPs had won the 2024 Lok Sabha elections after defeating candidates from the BJP and the Shiv Sena. Their decision to switch allegiance has substantially altered the political landscape within the Sena.
The Shiv Sena (UBT), which had secured nine Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra in the 2024 general elections, has now lost two-thirds of its parliamentary strength to the Shinde faction. With the latest addition of Sachin Ahir, the momentum appears to be firmly in favour of the Shinde camp.
Political observers believe these developments could further strengthen Eknath Shinde's influence within the ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP and the NCP led by Ajit Pawar. A larger legislative presence is expected to enhance Shinde's bargaining power in alliance negotiations and future electoral strategies.
As "Operation Tiger" continues to reshape Maharashtra's political landscape, the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faces the challenge of rebuilding its organisation and retaining its remaining leadership ahead of future electoral contests.
Leave Your Comment