‘UBT Will Be Finished by 2029’: Nirupam’s Remark Fuels Operation Tiger Speculation as Shinde Camp Claims Breakthrough
Mumbai: The political battle within the Shiv Sena family intensified on Tuesday after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam predicted the eventual collapse of the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), while leaders from the Eknath Shinde camp claimed that efforts to bring over UBT MPs under the much-discussed “Operation Tiger” had reached a decisive stage. Also Read: ‘Want to Leave? Go Ahead’: Uddhav Thackeray’s Tough Message Amid ‘Operation Tiger’ Buzz in Maharashtra
Speaking to the media, Nirupam launched a sharp attack on the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, alleging that confidence in its leadership was steadily eroding among elected representatives.
“The party called UBT is slowly dying. Their MLAs and MPs no longer have faith in UBT’s leadership,” Nirupam said.
#WATCH | Mumbai: On Operation Tiger, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam says, "The party called Ubatha is slowly dying. Their MLA and MP no longer have faith in Ubatha's leadership. By 2029, the party will be finished. People are leaving Ubatha every day. As far as their MPs are… pic.twitter.com/DQZLLpZLD8
— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2026
He further claimed that leaders were leaving the party on a regular basis and predicted a bleak future for the faction.
“People are leaving UBT every day. As far as their MPs are concerned, we have nothing to do with it. This is an internal matter of their party,” he added.
The remarks have come amid intense speculation over a possible split within Shiv Sena (UBT), with reports suggesting that several MPs are in touch with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Also Read: From ₹15 Crore to ₹50 Crore: Raut’s Stunning Claim Amid Defection Rumours
Operation Tiger Talks ‘In Final Stage’
Adding fuel to the political fire, Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane claimed that discussions with seven Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs under the so-called “Operation Tiger” have reached their final phase.
Speaking to ANI, Tumane asserted that the MPs could join the Shinde faction before the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.
“Our discussion with the seven MPs under ‘Operation Tiger’ has reached its final stage,” Tumane said.
Using a hospital analogy to describe the process, he remarked, “Just like when we go to a hospital for an operation, an investigation is conducted first and reports are issued. Now only the final date for the procedure needs to be fixed with the doctor. The operation will take place on that day.”
What Is Operation Tiger?
“Operation Tiger” is the term being used for an alleged political outreach exercise by leaders of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena aimed at bringing members of the Uddhav Thackeray faction into their fold.
The development comes amid persistent reports that a significant section of Shiv Sena (UBT)’s parliamentary wing may be considering a switch to the ruling faction, although no formal announcement has been made.
Political Stakes Rise
The claims from the Shinde camp have intensified political speculation in Maharashtra, where relations between the two Shiv Sena factions remain deeply strained following the 2022 split that reshaped the state’s political landscape.
While Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have repeatedly dismissed reports of a major rebellion, statements from leaders in the Shinde camp continue to suggest that significant political developments could unfold before Parliament’s monsoon session begins.
With both camps engaged in a war of words, all eyes are now on whether the much-talked-about “Operation Tiger” translates into a fresh round of defections or remains a political pressure tactic in Maharashtra’s ongoing power struggle.
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