‘Operation Tiger’ a success, declares Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde

Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra Éknáth Šinde. File | Photo credit: ANI

Operation Tiger is a success, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde announced on Sunday, June 21, 2026, adding that he never left any operation unfinished. Two of the six Lok Sabha members of the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Sunday (June 21, 2026) announced their intention to join Mr Shinde. Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP from Hingoli, and Omraje Nimbalkar, party MP from Dharashiv, cited lack of funds for development as one of the main reasons behind the decision. Mr. Ashtikar accused Shiv Sena UBT leaders of speaking badly against them and claimed that they took the decision only after Uddhava Thackeray’s party leaders spoke in a derogatory manner against them. “We have not made any decisions until June 18,” he said in a video statement.

Also read | ‘Operation Tiger’: Aaditya Thackeray calls six dissident Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs ‘shameless and ungrateful’

Meanwhile, top sources in Shiv Sena The Hindu confirmed that all six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs have already signed the letter forming a separate group and also met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. They are to tie up with the Shiv Sena, a senior leader said. “There were quite a few hurdles at the last minute. But we overcame them successfully. We had support from the BJP central leadership,” the leader told The Hindu.

When asked about the developments on Sunday (June 21, 2026) evening, Mr. Shinde said: “Those who know me know that we leave no operation unfinished.” He was referring to the defection of six of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs. A two-thirds majority would save them from disqualification proceedings, Sena leaders said. At least three of these six MPs are scheduled to hold rallies in their own constituencies on Monday.

“Operation Tiger is a success. The body is healthy,” added Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis while addressing Mr Shinde on Sunday (June 21, 2026).

Uddhav criticizes BJP

Amid developments surrounding Operation Tiger, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray took on the BJP during its public rally in North East Mumbai on Sunday (June 21, 2026). Mr. Thackeray is scheduled to tour six places in Maharashtra from June 26 to 29. These include constituencies of MPs who are expected to leave his party and join the Shiv Sena. “Though Shiv Sena fought against Congress for so many decades, Congress never tried to break our party. It is the sin of BJP,” he said.

The names of the six MPs who are expected to break away from the Shiv Sena (UBT) are — Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Deshmukh, Mr. Ashtikar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Mr. Nimbalkar.

On Sunday (June 21, 2026), Mr. Nimbalkar held a closed-door meeting with his party cadre in his home constituency. He then publicly announced his decision. “We will go to Shiv Sena Shinde group and work under the leadership of Eknath Shinde ji. I have not taken this decision for any position or money. I have also discussed with my people. So far I have received only love and blessings from the Shiv Sena chief. And no matter what anyone says against us, we will not speak a word against Thaayer,” inreceoshree said. Dharashiv.

Mr Ashtikar said he had not abandoned his ideological beliefs. “I want to tell you all, we are going to Shiv Sena. We didn’t go anywhere till June 18. But we took this decision after those things that were spoken against us. Whoever is angry with us, I request you not to use unparliamentary language while talking about us. Please speak up. But please do it politely. I pray to you that everyone does not abandon my ideologies. I went to Shiv Sena,” he said in video statement issued on Sunday (June 21, 2026).

Like Mr. Nimbalkar, he cited lack of funds for development and problems in carrying out work in the constituency as the primary reasons for the shift from opposition to power. “All the party workers were leaving the party. There was no work for our nagar parish, for the nagar palika. We were unable to do anything. There was no other alternative,” said Mr. Ashtikar.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 22:57 IST