That drama shifts from West Bengal to Maharashtra, Shiv Sena (UBT) senior leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut unleashed a string of expletives against suspected rebel MPs during a press interaction in the national capital, even instructing journalists not to edit or censor his strong language. Raut, visibly agitated, referred to the alleged defectors as "beimaan" (dishonest) individuals whose "betrayal is in their blood," directing his ire at those reportedly in talks with the rival Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. He warned that Maharashtra's people would not tolerate such disloyalty this time and urged any wavering leaders to resign first before switching sides.
When questioned about his choice of words, Raut stood firm, telling the media explicitly, "Don't cut this" or "Don't edit my gaalis," insisting the unfiltered remarks be aired as is. Party MP Anil Desai later defended the outburst, describing it as general "slang" not targeted at specific individuals.
The 'Operation Tiger' Speculation
The outburst comes amid intense speculation of an impending split in the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, often dubbed "Operation Tiger" by rivals. Reports suggest that up to seven of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs are in advanced discussions or have been approached to join the Shinde camp, potentially ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament.
Key triggers:
1: Several MPs skipping a recent meeting called by Uddhav Thackeray.
2: A notable meeting between UBT MP Sanjay Deshmukh and a Shinde faction minister, which fuelled rumours.
3: Claims by Shinde Sena leaders like Krupal Tumane that seven MPs and around 16 MLAs are ready to switch, citing better alignment with development policies.
Raut and other UBT leaders have repeatedly dismissed these claims, asserting party unity under Thackeray and even mocking the rival efforts as ineffective. This development follows closely on the heels of a major split in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal. Around 20 rebel TMC MPs reportedly formed a separate group and sought to merge with another party, challenging Mamata Banerjee's leadership and prompting interventions by the Lok Sabha Speaker. The TMC precedent has raised concerns within the INDIA bloc about similar fragmentation in other opposition parties, including Shiv Sena (UBT) and NCP (SP). Political observers see these as signs of strain in the alliance, with the BJP and NDA potentially benefiting from crossovers.
The 2022 Shiv Sena split, when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, remains fresh in Maharashtra politics. That episode drastically altered the state's power equations, with Shinde becoming Chief Minister in alliance with the BJP. A fresh wave of defections could further weaken the UBT's position in Parliament and the state assembly. As of now, UBT leaders continue to project confidence, with calls for loyalty and counter-strategies like "Operation Wolf." However, Raut's uncharacteristic loss of composure on camera underscores the high stakes and emotional toll of the ongoing power struggle.
