The Shiv Sena (UBT) is facing a significant political crisis as six rebel members of parliament (MPs) have defected to the Shinde-led faction, sparking tensions within the party. The conflict, dubbed "Operation Tiger," involves efforts by the Shinde group to bring in UBT members into their fold, while the UBT leadership, led by Udhdav Thackeray, has vowed to maintain unity and counter the defections. Key Developments: Rebel MPs and Demands: The six MPs, including Pavanraj Nimbalkar (son of late Congress leader Pavitra Nimbalkar), have demanded a public apology from the UBT for alleged past actions against their families. One of the MPs, Omraj Nimbalkar, is also involved in a high-profile murder case. The CBI court is set to deliver its verdict on June 20, 2026, in the case of his father's 2006 assassination, which is linked to political vendetta. Other rebels have sought security guarantees and political recognition, including a 2029 Lok Sabha election ticket. Operation Tiger: The term "Operation Tiger" refers to the Shinde-led faction's strategy to attract UBT members by offering political and security assurances. The UBT leadership, however, has accused the Shinde group of undermining party unity and attempting to destabilize the organization. Party Response: Udhdav Thackeray has called for the rebels to "rejoin the Shiv Sena" and emphasized the need for an "aggressive response" to protect the party's integrity. He also urged party workers to remain united, warning that the defections could weaken the organization. The Maharashtra Home Department has provided Y-category security to all six MPs, with local authorities instructed to enhance protection if needed. Legal and Political Context: The murder of Pavitra Nimbalkar in 2006, which led to the CBI case, is a central issue in the conflict.#shiv_sena_ubit #shinde_faction #udhdav_thackeray #pavanraj_nimbalkar #omraj_nimbalkar
