Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Monday formally inducted six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs into the Shiv Sena, completing what leaders in his camp described as “Operation Tiger” and dealing the biggest blow to Uddhav Thackeray’s party since the 2022 split.
At a joint press conference attended by all six MPs — Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, and Bhausaheb Wakchaure —, Shinde declared that the second phase of the Shiv Sena rebellion was complete.
The Shiv Sena chief also assured the MPs that after joining the ruling side, they would no longer face hurdles in securing funds or carrying out development works in their constituencies.
“In 2022, 40 MLAs came with us. Today we have hit a sixer. This is the second phase. Our fight is for Balasaheb’s ideology and Hindutva. Wherever there is Shiv Sena ideology, there are real Shiv Sainiks and that is why these six MPs have joined us today,” Shinde said.
The induction of the six MPs takes the Shinde-led Sena’s strength in the Lok Sabha from seven to 13, significantly strengthening the party’s position in Delhi. The party has now crossed the two-thirds mark among Sena (UBT)’s nine Lok Sabha MPs, a threshold that could become crucial in any anti-defection proceedings.
While Shinde repeatedly framed the move as a battle to preserve Balasaheb Thackeray’s ideology and Hindutva, several of the rebel MPs publicly cited stalled development works and lack of access to funds as key reasons behind their decision.
Over the past two days, MPs Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, and Sanjay Deshmukh had argued that remaining in the Opposition had hampered their ability to bring development projects and government funds to their constituencies.
Shinde directly addressed those concerns, saying, “I assure all six MPs that their work will not face any hurdles now. There will be no shortage of funds for development work. From the state government as well as the Centre, all support will be extended.”
The assurance is significant as it came immediately after the rebel MPs publicly linked their decision to difficulty in securing funds and implementing development projects while being in the Opposition.
Shinde said the 2022 rebellion had occurred because “another ideology” had begun dominating the Shiv Sena and claimed that the public had endorsed his decision in subsequent elections.
“You saw how the 2022 decision was accepted by the people and what kind of welfare work was done in the past two-and-a-half years,” he said.
Responding to Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut’s warning of launching “Operation Tudva” against rebel MPs, Shinde said his party was focused on expanding the Shiv Sena rather than targeting opponents.
“We have not come together to crush anybody. We have come together to expand Shiv Sena. We are not stopping anybody, but if somebody comes in our way, we will deal with them the way Balasaheb had taught us,” he said.
Following the press conference, Sanjay Jadhav rejected suggestions that the MPs had switched camps for personal gain or financial benefits.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Dina Patil emerged as the lone rebel MP to openly air grievances against the Sena (UBT) leadership. Patil said his decision was not driven by differences with Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray or Sanjay Raut, but by long-standing issues with an unnamed party leader.
“They do not want strong people. They want people who simply follow orders,” Patil said, while maintaining that he continued to respect Uddhav and Aaditya Thackeray.
Patil also clarified that his remarks were not directed at Sanjay Raut, whom he credited with supporting his political career.
Shinde individually praised all six MPs and said each had taken the decision after consulting workers and supporters in their constituencies. Referring to Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, whose move remained uncertain until the last moment, Shinde said he had personally assured him support following the recent court verdict in the murder case involving his father.
“The day the verdict came, I told Omraje that Shiv Sena and Eknath Shinde are firmly standing behind you,” he said.
On June 20, a special CBI court acquitted all eight accused, including former minister Padamsinh Patil, in the case related to the 2006 murder of Omaraje’s father, Pavanraje Nimbalkar. Padamsinh Patil is the brother of Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar.
Omraje had publicly expressed disappointment over the verdict and later revealed that he had spoken to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Shinde and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The state government subsequently announced that the CBI would challenge the acquittal before the Bombay High Court.
Shinde also dismissed suggestions of any legal complications arising from the rebellion, asserting that the entire process had been carried out within the constitutional framework. “We do not do any operation halfway. We do it fully. Operation Tiger is complete,” he said.
Shinde said, "These Lok Sabha members have now joined the original Shiv Sena that follows the teachings of (party founder) late Balasaheb Thackeray." (File image) 
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