Mumbai, 19 June (HS): Both Shiv Sena factions commemorated

the party's founding day separately in Mumbai, amid suspicion over Operation

Tiger and speculations of potential defections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led

side. Maharashtra's political scene remained tumultuous on Friday as both Shiv

Sena factions commemorated the party's foundation day separately, amid

increased speculation over suspected Operation Tiger and

allegations of potential defections from the Uddhav Thackeray-led camp. Posters

and banners from both the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister

Eknath Shinde, and the Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, dominated key

locations in Mumbai, including Bandra, Kalanagar, and the Matoshree area,

reflecting the ongoing political rivalry between the two factions that emerged

following the 2022 split.

The celebrations take on new significance this year in the

context of increased political talk about Operation Tiger, a phrase

used to express rumors that certain Shiv Sena (UBT) Members of Parliament are

in contact with the Shinde-led Shiv Sena and may join the ruling alliance. Shiv

Sena MLC Chandrakant Raghuvanshi reported that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had

shown faith in Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and have already united with

his side, which fueled the hype. However, no formal confirmation has been

received from the MPs involved in the accusations. As both factions attempt to

show their political strength and legacy on the party's founding anniversary,

the developments surrounding the alleged Operation Tiger are set to

keep Maharashtra politics in the spotlight in the coming days.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi