'No meeting took place': Eknath Shinde dismisses ‘Operation Tiger’ buzz, UBT MP defection claims

Mumbai: Maharashtra’s political landscape was abuzz on Friday amid reports of a possible split within the Shiv Sena (UBT), with claims that several MPs were in touch with Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The speculation, centred around an alleged secret meeting in Thane under a purported ‘Operation Tiger’, triggered sharp reactions across political circles.

Putting the rumours to rest, Shinde firmly denied holding any such meeting with MPs from Uddhav Thackeray’s faction.

“The reports about a meeting with UBT MPs are completely baseless, malicious, and misleading. No such meeting has taken place,” he said.

Shinde also pushed back against recurring claims of defections from the Thackeray camp.

“For the past one to one-and-a-half years, such reports of UBT MPs joining Shiv Sena have been circulating. There is no truth in them. These are mere rumours, and the media should refrain from spreading such sensational stories,” he added.

The controversy stems from reports suggesting that a late-night meeting took place in Thane on Wednesday, where Shinde allegedly met multiple MPs from the Thackeray faction.

Sources claimed that his convoy took an unexpected detour and that the meeting was held near the Voltas premises, continuing until early morning. It was also reported that MP Shrikant Shinde was present.

Several MPs, including Arvind Sawant and Omraje Nimbalkar, were named in these reports.

However, both leaders dismissed the claims. Sawant asserted that he would never align with Shinde, while Nimbalkar said he was unaware of any such meeting and challenged those making the claims to produce evidence.

The developments come days after Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with party MPs at Matoshree, where they reportedly reaffirmed their loyalty.

Despite the denials, the ‘Operation Tiger’ buzz has once again fuelled speculation of potential shifts in Maharashtra’s volatile political landscape.