Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant has dismissed ‘Operation Tiger’ speculation, denying any split. He reaffirmed the party’s loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray, confirmed all MPs attended a recent meeting, and challenged defectors to resign.
Amidst growing political turbulence and speculation regarding a potential split within the Shiv Sena (UBT), party MP Arvind Sawant has dismissed the “Operation Tiger” narrative, reaffirming his party’s commitment to the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray. Sawant maintained that all the MPs were present in the meeting chaired by party chief Uddhav Thackeray on June 14.
‘Media Creating Hype’: Sawant Questions Discourse
Speaking to ANI, Sawant on Wednesday questioned the focus of the discourse, stating, “Who is the tiger? Are only incompetent people tigers? The media is creating all this hype. There are many issues in the country, but we are prioritising these. 4,000 EVMs gutted by fire. Was there any investigation? Did anyone ask the Election Commission? What is happening is affecting the Constitution. Targeting the parties will make no difference. Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting on June 14, and everyone was present. Four of us were physically present, while the rest joined via video conferencing.”
On Dissent and Party Ideology
The senior leader also addressed reports of dissent among party colleagues Raja Bhau Prakash and Sanjay Patil. “One cannot answer everyone and that too many times. Our party has given national recognition to those who were unknown. Uddhav Thackeray is following the ideology of Balasaheb Thackeray, and it was he who gave a ticket to the person holding the post of Deputy CM (Eknath Shinde),” Sawant added.
He further asserted that those who wish to leave the party must resign and go to Parliament after contesting the elections instead of defecting with a two-thirds majority. “Those who want to leave should resign, contest the election, and then go to the Parliament, instead of going out with a two-thirds majority. No one has the right to backstab the party,” he said.
‘Operation Tiger’ Buzz Grows Amid Denials
His remarks come amid the growing speculation that a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs could break away and form a separate group. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and Lok Sabha MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at the Parliament House in the national capital.
Amid the political sparring, Raut strongly warned of action against any rebellion and denied any official confirmation of defections. Maharashtra is currently witnessing “Operation Tiger” buzz amid speculation that seven of the nine UBT MPs were in touch with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and are looking to join the ruling party. Back in 2022, Shinde, along with several MLAs, broke away from Uddhav Thackeray, splitting the party into two. (ANI)
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