Fresh political speculation has emerged in Maharashtra after Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil claimed that “Operation Tiger 2.0” is now underway. He said that more than 14 MLAs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) could soon join the Eknath Shinde faction.
The statement came just days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs switched their support to the Shinde-led party. The move has increased talk about more possible defections in the coming weeks.
At present, Shiv Sena (UBT) has 20 MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly. Under the anti-defection law, at least 14 MLAs would need to leave together to avoid disqualification. This number has become the focus of the current political discussion.
Patil claimed that several MLAs were already in touch with Eknath Shinde. He also referred to the Chief Minister’s well-known beard gesture and suggested it signals successful political moves. His remarks have attracted attention across the state.
The comments came shortly after a meeting of Maha Vikas Aghadi legislators. Out of 60 alliance MLAs, only 37 attended the meeting. The absence of several lawmakers has added to speculation about possible political changes.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant said that leaders from opposition parties were approaching Eknath Shinde on their own. However, he denied reports that senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar was planning to switch sides. Wadettiwar also rejected the rumours and said he remains with the Congress.
On the other hand, Shiv Sena (UBT) has launched a political campaign against the leaders who recently left the party. The party has accused the rebel MPs of betraying the trust of voters.
Uddhav Thackeray has started a three-day tour of constituencies represented by the six former party MPs. The campaign aims to reconnect with supporters and strengthen the party’s presence ahead of future political battles.
As Maharashtra politics continues to shift, all eyes remain on whether the claimed “Operation Tiger 2.0” will lead to another major realignment in the state.