Uddhav Thackeray Summons Sena (UBT) Legislators Amid Defection Buzz

Uddhav Thackeray, chief of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, has summoned all Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Legislative Council (MLCs) for a crucial meeting on June 22, 2026. This urgent assembly, scheduled for 4 PM at the party office Shivalay in Mumbai, coincides with the first day of the monsoon session of the state legislature. The convocation comes amidst intense speculation and a political initiative dubbed 'Operation Tiger,' reportedly orchestrated by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to induce defections from the Thackeray camp. The 'Operation Tiger' narrative, widely reported across various credible media outlets, describes an alleged strategy by the Shinde faction to attract elected representatives from Shiv Sena (UBT). Shinde Sena MLC Krupal Tumane has openly claimed that discussions with as many as seven of Shiv Sena (UBT)'s nine Lok Sabha MPs are in their final stages, suggesting these MPs are willing to switch allegiance to Eknath Shinde and his policies for constituency development. Tumane further asserted that around 14 to 16 Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs are also in contact with the ruling faction, citing "discontent and disgruntlement" within the Uddhav camp as a primary reason for the potential exodus. These defection rumors gained significant traction following a previous meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray with his party's Lok Sabha MPs on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Out of the nine MPs, only four attended in person at Thackeray's residence, Matoshree, while the remaining five joined virtually. This hybrid attendance, coupled with the subsequent meeting of Yavatmal-Washim MP Sanjay Deshmukh with Union Minister Prataprao Jadhav of the Shinde Sena, fueled further speculation about a looming split. Deshmukh, however, clarified to Thackeray that his meeting was non-political and related to college permissions. In response to the mounting pressure and defection buzz, Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have largely dismissed the claims. Party spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut vehemently denied any impending defections, asserting that all nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are united and firmly behind Uddhav Thackeray. Raut also declared the launch of "Operation Wolf" to counter opponents, accusing the BJP of a continuous strategy to split opposition parties, drawing parallels with recent events concerning the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and past splits in the NCP and Shiv Sena. He questioned the political relevance of figures like Krupal Tumane, who are making defection claims. Uddhav Thackeray himself addressed the speculation, stating that he would not force anyone to remain in the party if they wished to leave. He drew parallels to the 2022 split in the undivided Shiv Sena, indicating he had sensed the rebellion then but chose not to coerce members into staying. Thackeray's remarks suggest a firm stance that those who betray the party's legacy will eventually regret their decisions. The political landscape in Maharashtra has been dynamic since the 2022 split, which saw Eknath Shinde's faction align with the BJP, leading to a change in government. The current 'Operation Tiger' buzz highlights the ongoing power struggle between the two Shiv Sena factions. Reports suggest the Shinde camp believes a two-thirds split in Shiv Sena (UBT) could occur before the monsoon session of Parliament, and that the timing of 'Operation Tiger' execution rests with Eknath Shinde and the BJP leadership. The upcoming meeting on June 22 is thus seen as a critical measure for Uddhav Thackeray to consolidate his legislative strength, assess the loyalty of his MLAs and MLCs, and strategize ahead of potential challenges. It is expected that Thackeray will address party legislators directly to address their concerns, reinforce party unity, and outline future political strategies in the face of persistent defection threats. The outcome of this meeting and the subsequent political maneuvering will significantly impact the balance of power in Maharashtra.

Frequently Asked Questions

Read Full Story on Quick Digest