‘Operation Tiger’ Banners Surface in Pune Amid Speculation of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Switching Sides
Pune, 17th June 2026: Banners carrying the message “Wait and Watch” and referring to “Operation Tiger” appeared across parts of Pune on Tuesday, adding to speculation over a possible split in the parliamentary ranks of the Shiv Sena (UBT).
The banners, put up by Shiv Sena Pune city chief Pramod Nana Bhangire, come amid intense political buzz that several Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction are likely to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The developments have gained significance as at least six Lok Sabha MPs of Shiv Sena (UBT) are learnt to have reached Delhi and are expected to formally switch allegiance to the Shinde camp. If the move materialises, it would deal a major blow to Uddhav Thackeray’s party, which currently has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha.
The appearance of the banners has fuelled speculation that the proposed defections are linked to what Shiv Sena leaders have informally described as “Operation Tiger” — a term being used within political circles to refer to efforts to bring leaders from rival factions into the Shinde-led party.
The political chatter intensified further after Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde left for Delhi, where key meetings are expected to take place amid reports of possible political realignments.
While neither faction has officially commented on the reports of MPs switching sides, the developments have triggered intense discussions in Maharashtra’s political circles. Political observers said the departure of six MPs would significantly weaken Shiv Sena (UBT)’s parliamentary strength and strengthen the Shinde faction’s claim as the principal political heir to the undivided Shiv Sena.
