Amit Shah Declares Unified Shiv Sena in Kolhapur Rally
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, speaking at a rally in Kolhapur on 20 June 2026, declared that there is now only one Shiv Sena in Maharashtra — the faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. This statement came amid reports that six Lok Sabha MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, led by Uddhav Thackeray, are likely to switch allegiance to the Shinde-led group.
Operation Tiger: Planned Defections
According to sources within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shinde faction, the defections are part of a strategy codenamed "Operation Tiger." The operation aims to consolidate the Shiv Sena under Shinde's leadership ahead of the 2027 Maharashtra assembly elections. The six MPs, whose identities have not been officially disclosed, are expected to join the Shinde faction within the next fortnight.
Political Implications
The potential defections would significantly weaken the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which currently holds 18 Lok Sabha seats. If six MPs leave, the faction's strength would reduce to 12, impacting its bargaining power in opposition alliances. Shinde's faction, which already has 12 Lok Sabha MPs, would increase to 18, matching the UBT's original tally.
Political analyst Dr. Nilima Deshmukh commented, "This move is a major blow to Uddhav Thackeray's leadership. It signals that the Shinde faction is gaining ground, especially with the BJP's backing."
Background of the Split
The Shiv Sena split in June 2022 when Eknath Shinde led a rebellion against Uddhav Thackeray, taking a majority of party MLAs with him. Shinde later formed a government with the BJP, becoming Deputy Chief Minister. The split was formalized by the Election Commission in February 2023, which recognized Shinde's faction as the real Shiv Sena, awarding it the party symbol and name. However, the Thackeray faction retained control of the party's newspaper, Saamana, and several organizational positions.
Shah's Kolhapur Speech
In his Kolhapur speech, Shah emphasized that the Shinde faction represents the true legacy of Bal Thackeray, the party's founder. He praised Shinde's leadership and accused the Thackeray faction of deviating from Hindutva principles. Shah also announced a series of development projects for Kolhapur, including a new medical college and a ring road, worth Rs 5,000 crore.
"The Shiv Sena under Eknath Shinde is committed to the development of Maharashtra and the welfare of its people. There is no other Shiv Sena," Shah said, as quoted by local media.
Reaction from Thackeray Faction
The Shiv Sena (UBT) dismissed the defection reports as "baseless rumors." Party spokesperson Sanjay Raut said, "Our MPs are loyal to Uddhav Thackeray. This is a desperate attempt by the BJP to poach our legislators." However, sources indicate that at least two MPs have already been in touch with Shinde's camp.
Impact on Maharashtra Politics
The defections, if confirmed, could trigger a realignment of political forces in Maharashtra. The ruling Mahayuti alliance, comprising the BJP, Shinde Sena, and the Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar faction), would strengthen its position. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, which includes the Thackeray Sena, Congress, and NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), would face a setback.
According to a survey by a local news channel, 45% of respondents in Maharashtra believe the Shinde faction will emerge as the stronger party in the next elections.
Conclusion
Operation Tiger appears to be a well-planned move to consolidate the Shinde faction's hold on the Shiv Sena. With Shah's endorsement and the likely defection of six MPs, Eknath Shinde's position as the sole leader of the Shiv Sena is set to be reinforced. The coming weeks will reveal the full extent of the political realignment in Maharashtra.
