After 6 MPs, More than 14 MLAs set to join Shinde’s camp

June 27, 2026

Mumbai: Days after six Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) switched allegiance to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Maharashtra Minister Gulabrao Patil on Friday claimed that “Operation Tiger 2.0” has begun and that more than 14 MLAs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led party are likely to join the ruling faction in the coming days.

Speaking to reporters, Patil said a significant number of Shiv Sena (UBT) legislators were preparing to cross over to Shinde’s camp.

“Wait for some time, more than 14 MLAs will come with him (Eknath Shinde). Eknath Shinde does not speak much, he only moves his hand on his beard. Aaditya Thackeray himself had said this earlier. Whenever Eknath Shinde moves his hand on his beard, Operation Tiger becomes successful,” Patil remarked.

Defection Buzz Grows Around Sena (UBT)

Patil’s statement comes amid growing speculation over possible defections from Shiv Sena (UBT), which currently has 20 MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly.

Reports suggest that four Sena (UBT) legislators met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Assembly and reportedly expressed their willingness to join the ruling Shiv Sena along with several other lawmakers.

The figure of 14 MLAs is significant because under the anti-defection law, at least two-thirds of a party’s legislators must break away together to avoid disqualification. In the case of Sena (UBT), a minimum of 14 of its 20 MLAs would be required.

MVA Meeting Attendance Raises Questions

The latest speculation follows a meeting of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) legislators convened by Uddhav Thackeray earlier this week.

Out of the alliance’s 60 MLAs, only 37 attended the meeting, while 23 legislators remained absent, fuelling discussions about possible dissatisfaction within the opposition bloc.

Of the 20 Sena (UBT) MLAs, 10 are from Mumbai, including Aaditya Thackeray, Varun Sardesai and Sunil Raut.

Shinde Camp Claims Opposition Leaders Are Reaching Out

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant claimed that leaders from opposition parties were themselves approaching Eknath Shinde.

Speculation had also surfaced regarding senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar potentially joining the Shinde-led camp.

Responding to the reports, Samant acknowledged his personal friendship with Wadettiwar but denied any discussion regarding a party switch.

“Vijay Wadettiwar is a good friend and close to Eknath Shinde saheb. He has never discussed joining the party with us. But if a strong leader from Vidarbha like him decides to work with Eknath Shinde saheb, I will be happy,” Samant said.

Wadettiwar later dismissed the rumours and reiterated his commitment to the Congress party.

Sena (UBT) Hits Out at Defectors

The political developments come shortly after six Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs joined the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, dealing a major setback to Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.

Ahead of Uddhav Thackeray’s planned tour of constituencies represented by the rebel MPs, Sena (UBT) leaders launched a sharp attack on the defectors, calling them “traitors” rather than rebels.

A party leader alleged that the MPs had abandoned the party after being elected on the Shiv Sena (UBT) symbol and accused them of switching sides for personal gain.

As part of the party’s outreach campaign, Uddhav Thackeray is scheduled to visit Nagpur, Yavatmal, Washim, Hingoli, Parbhani, Dharashiv and Shirdi — constituencies represented by the six MPs who recently joined the Shinde faction.