Amid a growing exodus of leaders, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has called a crucial meeting of party MLAs and MPs on February 20 and 25. The meeting aims to address concerns, prevent further defections, and counter the ruling Mahayuti alliance’s alleged ‘Operation Tiger.’
The ruling Shiv Sena, led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has been actively poaching leaders from the UBT faction. On Saturday, several office-bearers from the Konkan region joined Shinde’s Sena. Earlier, UBT leader Rajan Salvi had also switched sides to join Shinde’s faction. Now, UBT’s Chiplun MLA Bhaskar Jadhav has expressed frustration over not getting an opportunity to work as per his capabilities, fueling speculation that he too might join Shinde’s Sena.
Thackeray himself will address this meeting. Notably, while the Budget Session was underway in Delhi, Aaditya Thackeray had called a meeting of party MPs and strictly instructed them not to attend any events organised by leaders from Shinde’s Shiv Sena without prior approval from the party leadership. This reportedly upset some leaders.
There are reports that the entry of three former MLAs under Pune’s ‘Operation Tiger’ has been delayed. Along with these MLAs, more than 20 corporates are also likely to join either the ruling Shiv Sena or BJP. Apart from former MLA Vaibhav Naik from Kudal in Konkan and Bhaskar Jadhav from Guhagar, most UBT leaders have reportedly joined either the BJP or Shinde’s Sena.
A few days ago, Thackeray had remarked that if the pressure from investigative agencies stops, a different picture will emerge. An investigation is also underway against former Kudal MLA Vaibhav Naik. There is speculation that he is also preparing to leave the party.
The meeting for MPs has been scheduled for February 20, followed by another one for MLAs on February 25. Thackeray is expected to review the situation in each constituency and strategise damage control for the party amid ongoing challenges.
