Two Shivsena (UBT) MPs Hold Back, Dealing Blow to BJP-Led NDA's Horse-Trading in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Political uncertainty within Shiv Sena (UBT) intensified after reports suggested that only four of the six Lok Sabha MPs linked to the alleged breakaway initiative known as “Operation Tiger” have so far backed the move, delaying efforts to formally establish a separate parliamentary bloc.

According to media reports, four MPs — Nagesh Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav and Bhausaheb Waghchore — have signed a proposed letter intended to be submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking recognition of a separate group ahead of a possible merger with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which is an ally of the NDA bloc.

However, the exercise appears incomplete as MPs Omraje Nimbalkar and Sanjay Dina Patil are yet to extend support. Under anti-defection provisions, six MPs out of nine are required to sign in order to proceed without risking disqualification.

The development reportedly prompted Shiv Sena (UBT) to cancel a planned meeting with the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Amid speculation over defections, party leaders moved to contain the situation. MP Sanjay Dina Patil stated that parliamentary party leader Arvind Sawant had assured colleagues that he remained committed to the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp. Sawant later reiterated the position publicly in Delhi.

Omraje Nimbalkar, whose absence triggered further speculation, later told media he had not travelled to Delhi and would clarify his position on June 20.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief whip and MP Anil Desai directed all party Lok Sabha members to attend a parliamentary meeting in Delhi and warned that disciplinary action could follow non-compliance.

The political battle also escalated with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleging that attempts were made to persuade MPs through financial inducements and development promises. As reported by media, Raut claimed some leaders had already received advance payments as part of efforts to engineer defections.