Silence from Shinde Camp Regarding ‘Operation Tiger’ in Maharashtra Sparks Tensions Among Shiv Sena (UBT) Leaders
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Synopsis
In Maharashtra, the Eknath Shinde faction claims Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmakers are in contact with them, while Rajan Salvi, a former MLA, joins Shinde Sena. Leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) refute rumors of defections amidst rising tensions with the BJP ahead of municipal elections.
Key Takeaways
- Rajan Salvi's shift to Shinde Sena raises speculations.
- Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders label defection rumors as false.
- Aaditya Thackeray's Delhi meetings aim to strengthen INDIA Bloc.
- Criticism of Shinde's role as Deputy Chief Minister continues.
- Shambhuraj Desai dismisses defection claims as media hype.
Mumbai, Feb 13 (NationPress) In the backdrop of assertions from the Eknath Shinde faction regarding connections with various Shiv Sena (UBT) lawmakers, Rajan Salvi, a former MLA and steadfast Thackeray ally, has departed from the party to officially join the ‘Shinde Sena’ along with his followers.
The transition of this three-time MLA into Shinde's camp has sparked renewed speculation about additional legislators potentially shifting their allegiances in the near future, as part of the ‘Operation Tiger’. However, leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT) have dismissed reports of discontented members considering a switch as mere conjecture.
Aaditya Thackeray’s recent trip to the national capital to engage with Rahul Gandhi and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal to garner support for the INDIA Bloc has further fueled the ongoing debate.
Additionally, senior SS (UBT) leaders, in conversations with IANS, have ridiculed attempts to lure their legislators, labeling it as a BJP strategy aimed at undermining the Opposition in Maharashtra ahead of the upcoming Municipal elections.
Priyanka Chaturvedi dismissed the rumors and criticized Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating, "Since assuming the role of Deputy Chief Minister and losing all his influence, he starts every day by propagating such rumors."
Regarding Aaditya Thackeray's meetings in Delhi, she emphasized that there is no internal discord within the party.
"All of us MPs gathered for a delightful lunch, and just yesterday Aaditya Thackeray met with Rahul Gandhi. Today, he had a meeting with Arvind Kejriwal. It was a productive visit, showcasing our dedication to the INDIA Bloc," she remarked.
In a sarcastic take on ‘Operation Tiger’, she commented, "These individuals are punctured tigers. Amit Shah has inflated them like lions, but once he deflates them, they won’t know where they’ll end up. To those who thrive on rumors, I repeat — awaken, you are merely pawns."
SS (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also refuted the claims, advising Shinde to concentrate on his own circumstances rather than being preoccupied with others since he is daily humiliated by the BJP.
"Eknath Shinde resembles an appendix in the Shiv Sena-BJP administration — he ought to be concerned about when he will be removed," Raut stated.
While SS (UBT) has categorically denied any possibility of defections, members from the Shinde camp evaded direct inquiries on the matter.
Shambhuraj Desai, a Maharashtra minister affiliated with Shinde's Shiv Sena, termed the rumors as ‘media hype’.
"You disseminate sensational stories. Have we ever mentioned anything about an operation? During parliamentary sessions, members convene for dinners, similar to assembly sessions. That doesn’t imply an operation is occurring," Desai conveyed to reporters.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Aashtikar Patil Nagesh Rao also sidestepped questions regarding 'Operation Tiger', stating he was unaware of any such scheme.
