MUMBAI: Amid speculation that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs might switch sides, party chief Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting with his lawmakers on Sunday, sources told news agency PTI. The meeting was scheduled for Sunday at noon at Matoshri, Thackeray’s residence in Mumbai’s Bandra East area, a party MP said. The development comes amid growing chatter around “Operation Tiger,” under which some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are reportedly in contact with the Shinde-led faction. Responding to the speculation, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “I have no idea who will attend or who won’t; let me know after the meeting who was there and who wasn’t.” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut dismissed the claims, saying, “Tiger is standing here, what are you talking about MP and MLA, brother? What is Operation Tiger? What does it mean” Shiv Sena spokesperson Raju Waghmare rejected reports of any poaching attempt. He said, “This is completely false. Our leader, Eknath Shinde, has made it very clear — there is no ‘Operation Tiger,’ no plan, no interest. There are no elections right now; we already have a full majority and we do not need anyone else.” Regarding Uddhav Thackeray’s meeting with his MPs, that is his party’s internal matter. For us, the mandate is clear — we are not involved in any such activity, nor do we have any interest.” A Sena (UBT) MP, however, said the meeting was routine and not linked to any political churn. “It is a routine meeting,” the MP said. The Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), which has seven MPs, remains a key ally of the BJP at the Centre. The Sena (UBT) currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs. The political buzz has intensified following reports that a dissident group within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is also in contact with the BJP, with claims of backing from 20 MPs — a development that could shift the numbers in Parliament, though these claims have not been independently verified.(With inputs from PTI)
