Mumbai, 14 June (H.S.): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday said he had no information about which Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs attended a meeting convened by party chief Uddhav Thackeray amid speculation over possible political realignments in the state.

Speaking to reporters, Fadnavis said, I have no idea who will attend or who won't. Let me know after the meeting who was there and who wasn't.

The remarks came as Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament at Matoshree in Mumbai. Some MPs attended the meeting in person while others joined through video conferencing.

The meeting was held against the backdrop of speculation surrounding an alleged Operation Tiger, under which opposition legislators and parliamentarians are reportedly being targeted for induction into the ruling Mahayuti alliance.

Following the meeting, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut dismissed reports of any differences within the party and asserted that all nine party MPs had participated in the discussions.

Four MPs were physically present in the meeting, while five participated through video conferencing. In this way, all nine MPs attended today's meeting with Uddhav ji, Raut told reporters.

He said the meeting was a routine organisational exercise and that discussions were held on political and party-related matters.

Shiv Sena (UBT), which witnessed a major split in 2022 following the rebellion led by Eknath Shinde, has recently faced speculation regarding the possibility of some leaders shifting allegiance. However, party leaders have maintained that the parliamentary wing remains united.

The Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde and the Nationalist Congress Party faction led by Ajit Pawar, returned to power in Maharashtra after the 2024 Assembly elections.

Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar