Shiv Sena leader and MLC Krupal Tumane on Tuesday said discussions with the Sena (UBT) MPs under what he termed “Operation Tiger” had reached their “final stage”, adding that several MLAs from the rival faction were also in touch with the Shinde camp.
Speaking to PTI, Tumane said, “Seven Sena (UBT) MPs want to join us and work under Eknath Shinde’s leadership. Sixteen of their MLAs are also in contact.”
“7 Sena UBT MPs want to join us and work under Eknath Shinde’s leadership.
16 of their MLAs also in contact.”
– Shinde Sena MLC Krupal Tumane pic.twitter.com/qkBHUh8BIG
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) June 16, 2026
He repeated the claim while speaking to ANI, saying, “Our discussion with the seven MPs under ‘Operation Tiger’ has reached its final stage.”
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Drawing a comparison with a medical procedure, Tumane suggested that the groundwork had already been completed and only the final step remained.
“Just as investigations are carried out before an operation and reports are prepared, only the date now needs to be fixed with the doctor. The operation will take place on that day,” he said.
Tumane asserted that the development would unfold before the Monsoon Session begins. “This will happen before the Monsoon Session,” he said.
While refusing to divulge further details, he expressed confidence that the MPs would eventually join the Shinde-led Sena.
“It would not be appropriate to disclose everything at this stage. But it is almost certain that they will join us,” he said, adding that the talks had been underway for nearly a month and had now reached an advanced stage.
The claims come amid intense speculation in Maharashtra’s political circles that seven of the nine Sena (UBT) MPs have been in contact with the Shinde faction and could be considering a switch.
However, Sena (UBT) leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has dismissed the reports and maintained that the party remains united. Following a meeting of Sena (UBT) MPs convened by Uddhav Thackeray in Mumbai on Sunday, Raut announced what he called “Operation Wolf” in response to the speculation.
“What Operation Tiger are you talking about? We are all tigers. We are going to launch Operation Wolf. We are not going to be scared. All our MPs and our Parliamentary Party are intact, united and strong, and they will continue that way,” Raut said.
He further pointed out that all nine Sena (UBT) MPs attended the meeting chaired by Thackeray, describing it as evidence of the party’s cohesion.
If the reported defections materialise, they could significantly strengthen the NDA’s position in the Lok Sabha and trigger fresh questions over the Opposition bloc’s ability to maintain unity. For now, however, the claims remain unverified, with the Sena (UBT) leadership continuing to deny that any split is imminent.
