Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Wednesday, 17 June said the steady influx of political leaders into the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is a direct reflection of public confidence in the party's governance and development-focused agenda. Her remarks came as political speculation intensified over a possible defection of six Lok Sabha MPs from the rival Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray.

Shaina NC's Defence of the Shinde Camp

Speaking to reporters in Jalna, Shaina NC attributed the trend to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's popularity across Maharashtra. 'Every day, leaders from regions such as Amravati, Nanded, Solapur, Kolhapur, Parbhani, and Latur are joining the party, and the list continues to grow,' she said.

Shaina NC dismissed the 'Operation Tiger' framing that has dominated political commentary, saying the only operation underway is one of development. 'Rather than using terms like ‘Operation Tiger’ or engaging in speculation, people should understand that the only operation being carried out is for the development and progress of Maharashtra,' she said.

On leaders switching sides, she added that new entrants are welcome 'provided it is in the interest of Maharashtra and its people.'

What Is 'Operation Tiger'

Political circles in Maharashtra are abuzz with reports that six Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) may break away and merge with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. According to sources, the operation is said to be in its final stages and could be completed by 19 June. The development, if confirmed, would mark a significant blow to the Thackeray faction, which already lost the parent party name and symbol to the Shinde group following a Supreme Court ruling.

Sanjay Raut's Allegations and Pushback

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut has alleged that monetary transactions are driving the reported defections. In a series of posts on X, Raut said: 'Apna Sapna Money Money! It’s shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered ₹15 crore each tonight to switch sides.'

Replying to Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, Raut wrote: 'No no — Mahua ji, the Minimum Support Price is fixed at ₹50 crore per MP… ₹15 crore is just the advance. Frankly, these people aren’t even worth ₹50,000.'

Raut also alleged that a chartered aircraft landed at Nanded Airport to transport two MPs to New Delhi, describing the move as an escape attempt. He insisted that 'an account of every single thing will be taken' and that 'the escape of cowardly foxes has been thwarted.'

Contradictions on the Ground

Countering media reports that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had already arrived in New Delhi, Raut pointed to specific examples. He noted that Nashik MP Rajabhau Waje had travelled to Delhi for an industry committee meeting, which he said was being misrepresented. Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtekar reportedly stated he was present in Hingoli and denied the reports, saying, 'I’m in Hingoli, but these people can forge my fake signature!'

The situation remains fluid, with both factions presenting sharply conflicting accounts. Whether 'Operation Tiger' materialises by 19 June will be a critical test of the Shinde faction's political momentum ahead of upcoming electoral cycles in Maharashtra.