Pune: Maval MP Shrirang Barne of the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Friday claimed that some MLAs from Uddhav Thackeray's party are keen on switching to their side. The much-speculated 'operation tiger' to engineer a second split in Uddhav's party was executed earlier this week, but Barne claimed that discussions with the six MPs were on for a year.
Barne's Statement on Defections
"People are getting information about the six MPs' decisions now, but the process has been going on for a year. These MPs have been expressing their displeasure with the functioning of the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership. UBT members were aware of the discussion," Barne said.
The Maval MP, who returned from Delhi a few days ago, said that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs are planning to leave their party. "They and some elected representatives of local bodies from UBT are unhappy with the party's functioning, and are looking for options. They complained that the leadership is not investing enough time in the party's growth," Barne added.
Support from State Minister
His party colleague and state minister, Shambhuraj Desai, supported the Maval MP's claim. Desai, speaking in Satara, said, "The restlessness among UBT MLAs is more than their MPs. I cannot speak officially, but those MLAs are thinking on the lines of 'operation tiger'."
Uddhav's Meeting and MLA Response
Uddhav Thackeray has called a meeting of party functionaries at his residence, Matoshree, on Saturday. Speaking to TOI, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Osmanabad Kailas Patil said, "I have got the message about Saturday's meeting, but I do not know the agenda. I will attend along with some party functionaries from Dharashiv district. Members from other districts are also expected to be there."
BJP's Stance
Shiv Sena's Mahayuti partner the BJP has said it has no role in the defection move and the opposition parties should introspect. "People have already lost faith in the opposition, but now elected representatives of these parties are moving away. The state has seen some parties and politicians performing well despite being in the opposition. However, the current opposition is weak and their leadership must find out why," Jaykumar Gore, rural development minister and BJP member, said.
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