Jagran Correspondent, Mumbai: The Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), days after six of its Lok Sabha MPs switched sides with rival Shinde Sena, is reportedly set to face another setback. As per the reports, the Shiv Sena (Shinde) is reportedly preparing for 'Operation Tiger 3' to further boost its strength in the state assembly. As per the scheme, the ruling party is likely to target the MLAs of Uddhav Sena and the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in the coming weeks.
Secret Meetings With Sena UBT MLAs
While providing details, the Shinde Sena leaders claimed that secret meetings have been held with 10 MLAs of the Uddhav Sena in recent times. They further stated that the legislators were convinced to join the ruling NDA, adding that some of them have already agreed. However, the names of these 10 MLAs have not yet been made public, probably to wait for the right timing.
The reports of another attempt to split the Uddhav Sena have created discomfort in the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance, but none of the factions have given any public statement on the issue yet. As per the reports, 'Operation Tiger-3' is a political strategy by the Shinde faction to strengthen its organization ahead of the civic body polls.
Prominent Leaders To Be Approached
The Shinde camp is likely to approach several prominent leaders of the opposition parties, especially Uddhav Sena and NCP (SP), and convince them to join the ruling party. However, the Shinde camp has not released any official statement on the campaign yet.
These reports have intensified political unrest and unease within the Uddhav Thackeray faction and the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. Earlier last week, Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with the senior leaders from all the regions of Maharashtra. A separate report also suggested that several councilors of Uddhav Sena in Nashik are in contact with the Shinde faction.