Aaditya Thackeray launched a sharp attack on 'rebel' MPs, calling them "shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt individuals".
Shiv Sena's 60th foundation day celebrations on Friday unfolded amid fresh rebellion buzz, competing claims over Bal Thackeray's legacy and growing questions over the future of the two rival factions that emerged from the party's split in 2022.
The celebrations assume added significance this year against the backdrop of growing political chatter around "Operation Tiger". (Praful Gangurde via HT/ANI)
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations assume added significance this year against the backdrop of "Operation Tiger" , a term used for speculation that several MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) are in touch with the Eknath Shinde camp and could join the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sena (UBT) MPs Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar are likely to cross over to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The six MPs skipped a Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting convened on Thursday, signalling a widening rift with party chief Uddhav Thackeray.
Also Read | Inside Operation Tiger: How Eknath Shinde engineered a Shiv Sena split, again
Here are the top developments:
Aaditya Thackeray attacks rebel MPs
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray launched a sharp attack on rebel MPs, calling them "shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt individuals" who had betrayed those who helped them win in 2024.
“Today is your 60th anniversary! Once again, we are witnessing a shocking example of filthy politics. These shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt individuals—those who won in 2024 because of certain people—are now betraying them! No matter how many excuses you give,” he said.
"The truth is just one. You have shamelessly sold yourself out. Not only have you sold yourself, but along with that, you've also staked your reputation, your name, and your family's name. Maharashtra will not tolerate this filthy politics... not at all!
In this darkness, the one to bring light will be none other than our torch!" he said.
Also Read | Poster war between Shiv Sena factions on foundation day amid split buzz in Team Uddhav
Raut alleges infighting among rebel MPs
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut on Friday claimed there was disagreement among the party's dissident MPs over who among them would become a Union minister after switching sides.
Sena (UBT) MPs Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar are likely to join the ruling Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, according to news agency PTI.
These lawmakers did not attend the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting convened on Thursday, confirming their breach with Uddhav Thackeray's leadership.
Talking to reporters, Raut said, "There are clashes in the rebel group over who will become minister at the Centre."
"Only one among the six can become minister, so it has been decided and a settlement has been made that the rest will be given an additional ₹ 25 crore (for the switchover)," he alleged.
Also Read | 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs skip meet, more clarity after confusion over rebel number
Rival camps invoke Bal Thackeray's legacy
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut described the Uddhav Thackeray-led outfit as the "real Shiv Sena" while marking the party's Diamond Jubilee.
"Today is the 60th anniversary of Shiv Sena, the Diamond Jubilee (Hirak Mahotsav) of the real Shiv Sena. Shiv Sena has now witnessed a long span of 60 years, first under Balasaheb Thackeray and then under the leadership of Honourable Uddhav Thackeray," Raut said.
Highlighting the party's origins, he said, “This organisation was established 60 years ago for the justice and rights of the Marathi people. Back then, people mockingly said that this organisation, the Shiv Sena, wouldn't even last for six months. It was predicted that Shiv Sena would never venture beyond Mumbai and Thane.”
"All those predictions turned out to be false. Shiv Sena conquered Mumbai, Thane, and Maharashtra, and eventually reached Delhi. Shiv Sena has completed a 60-year-long march," he added.
Raut also alleged that the BJP was attempting to weaken regional parties.
"This is going on because the BJP is scared. They don't want to keep any regional parties working with the Congress until 2029. They want to have numbers in the Lok Sabha and change the Constitution. They want to introduce a presidential system in this country. We will not let this happen," he said.
Meanwhile, the Shinde-led Shiv Sena posted a photograph of founder Bal Thackeray alongside Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and described their relationship as an "unbreakable bond".
"Unbreakable bond! Of speeches, of thoughts, of the traditions of Hindutva and of Shiv Sena," the party said in a post on X.
Experts say both factions…
Read the full article at Hindustan Times →📄Source document: Aaditya Thackeray's social media post→25 reports
The HinduIndependentCenter2 days agoAaditya Thackeray, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), criticized six dissenting Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs for allegedly betraying the party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He called them 'shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt' and accused them of engaging in 'filthy politics.' The six MPs are reportedly planning to switch allegiance to the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde, potentially leading to another split within the party.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political development without overtly favoring any side. It presents statements from Aaditya Thackeray and outlines the potential implications of the MPs' actions without editorializing or biased language.
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter2 days agoShiv Sena's 60th anniversary celebrations took place amidst internal divisions following the 2022 party split. The event occurred during discussions surrounding 'Operation Tiger,' which refers to speculation that some Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs might align with Eknath Shinde's faction. Aaditya Thackeray criticized these MPs, labeling them 'shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt.' Several MPs missed a party meeting, indicating increasing tensions within the party.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about the internal dynamics of Shiv Sena without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the situation objectively, including statements from Aaditya Thackeray and details about the MPs involved. There is no clear indication of biased language or selective o
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter2 days agoAaditya Thackeray, a leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT) party, criticized six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs for switching allegiance to the Eknath Shinde faction, calling them 'shameless, ungrateful, and corrupt.' He stated that these MPs betrayed supporters who helped them win the 2024 parliamentary elections. Six of the MPs did not attend a party meeting convened by Uddhav Thackeray, the party chief, and now face potential disqualification under the anti-defection law if they do not secure the required two-thirds majority within the party.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on internal political developments within the Shiv Sena (UBT) party without overtly favoring any side. It presents statements from Aaditya Thackeray and outlines the situation regarding the six MPs' actions, but does not exhibit clear bias toward either the Uddhav Thackeray or E.
The HinduIndependentCenter2 days ago ‘No option left’: Sena (UBT) MP Omraje Nimbalkar breaks silence amid ‘Operation Tiger’ rowOmraje Nimbalkar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha member from Dharashiv, stated he feels 'torn' and believes he has no other choice amid speculation about forming a separate group of MPs. He declined to confirm whether he has already formed such a group, stating he will make an announcement on Sunday or Monday. He also denied plans to meet Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde. Nimbalkar emphasized his personal quest for justice regarding his father's murder in 2006, noting that the CBI investigation and trial have progressed well. A special CBI court in Mumbai is set
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a political development involving an MP without taking a stance or using biased language. It presents the MP's statements neutrally and does not favor any particular political side.
Official sources cited
- government Special CBI Court in Mumbai
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter2 days ago Poster war between Shiv Sena factions on foundation day amid split buzz in Team UddhavOn the occasion of Shiv Sena's foundation day, two factions of the party—led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray—celebrated separately. The event took place amid speculation surrounding 'Operation Tiger,' which refers to potential defectors from the Uddhav Thackeray faction joining the Shinde-led group. The political rivalry between the two factions has intensified since their split in 2022.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of events without apparent ideological framing. It describes the situation neutrally, mentioning both factions and the context of 'Operation Tiger' without taking a stance or using biased language.
Official sources cited
- organisation Posters and banners put up by both the Shiv Sena
- organisation Chandrakant Raghuvanshi
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter2 days ago Inside Operation Tiger: How Eknath Shinde engineered a Shiv Sena split, againThe article discusses 'Operation Tiger,' a strategic move by Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde to split the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction following the defeat of the delimitation bill in Parliament. It outlines how Shinde and his allies approached several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to encourage them to switch allegiance to the BJP, aiming to meet the two-thirds threshold needed to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws. The article mentions challenges faced by Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, including financial constraints and limited access to party leadership.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of political maneuvering within the Shiv Sena party without overtly favoring any side. It presents information based on sources within the party and does not exhibit clear bias through language or framing.
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter2 days ago In Sena-UBT rebellion, a 2006 assassination is haunting Uddhav Thackeray: The story of rebel Omraje NimbalkarA 20-year-old double murder case involving Omraje Nimbalkar's father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar, has resurfaced as a key factor in the current internal conflict within the Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray. This follows reports of 'Operation Tiger,' an alleged effort by Eknath Shinde's faction of the Shiv Sena to recruit members from the opposing group. The situation escalated when several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs did not attend a meeting called by Thackeray and later cut ties with party leadership.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts about the ongoing political conflict within the Shiv Sena without overtly favoring any side. It mentions both Uddhav Thackeray and Eknath Shinde's factions but does not use biased language or selectively present information to support one over the other.
Official sources cited
- organisation Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omraje Nimbalkar arrives at Sessions Court for hearing in the 20-year-old double murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter2 days ago Only 3 of Sena UBT's 9 Lok Sabha MPs turn up for party meet in DelhiSix out of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs did not attend a parliamentary party meeting organized by Uddhav Thackeray's faction in Delhi. The absent MPs had previously informed the Lok Sabha Speaker about forming a separate group. Three MPs attended the meeting and supported Uddhav Thackeray. The rebels claim they are avoiding the anti-defection law by securing the required majority. The Shiv Sena (UBT) has threatened legal action against the absent MPs.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on an event without overtly biased language, framing, or emphasis. It presents facts about the attendance of MPs at a party meeting and mentions both the attending and absent MPs' positions without taking sides or using loaded terms.
Official sources cited
- government Letter from rebel MPs to Lok Sabha Speaker
- government Statement by Sena UBT RS MP Sanjay Raut
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter2 days ago As Shiv Sena turns 60 today, rival camps set for verbal joustThe article discusses the 60th anniversary of Shiv Sena, highlighting tensions between two factions led by Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray. The Shinde faction is preparing a show of strength during the celebrations, while the Uddhav faction plans a more subdued event. Uddhav is expected to address recent defections and criticize Shinde and the BJP. Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant hinted at the success of 'Operation Tiger,' suggesting key members from the UBT group will join Shinde's faction.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of the internal dynamics within Shiv Sena without overtly favoring either faction. It reports on planned events, statements from both leaders, and reactions from party members without using biased language or selective sourcing.
India TodayIndependentCenter3 days agoSix of the nine Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) have rebelled against their party leadership, significantly strengthening the position of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and altering the political dynamics in Maharashtra. This move boosts Shinde's faction's parliamentary strength, enhancing his influence within the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Meanwhile, the UBT faction faces a severe decline, with its Lok Sabha representation reduced to just three MPs.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of political developments without overtly favoring any side. It describes the rebellion of Shiv Sena MPs and its implications for Eknath Shinde and Uddhav Thackeray's factions without using biased language or selectively emphasizing one perspective over another
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter3 days ago UBT Sena-Congress merger 'fear', Y-plus-like cover to rebels: Dissent deepens in MaharashtraA crisis has emerged within the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction, with dissenters expressing concerns over potential mergers with the Congress party, leading to increased security measures for six rebel lawmakers. This marks the third major political split in Maharashtra in four years, following previous splits involving the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party. Six out of nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs skipped a critical party meeting, raising questions about internal unity and the possibility of a split.
Bias read (Center): The article presents events objectively without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on internal party conflicts, mentions multiple political factions, and includes details about legislative procedures and security measures without using biased language or selective sourcing.
India TodayIndependentCenter3 days ago Midnight flights to Delhi, fear of Congress merger: Inside Sena UBT MPs' revoltSix Shiv Sena UBT (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MPs traveled to Delhi during the night on June 16, met with Eknath Shinde, and submitted a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker. The MPs have been absent from key meetings and events, including Aaditya Thackeray's birthday celebrations, signaling a potential second split within the Shiv Sena faction led by Uddhav Thackeray.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on political developments without overtly favoring any side. It describes actions taken by certain MPs and their implications but does not use biased language or selectively present information to support a particular viewpoint.
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter3 days ago 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs skip meet, more clarity after confusion over rebel numberSix of the nine Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha members skipped a scheduled meeting of the party's parliamentary wing, leading to clarification regarding the number of rebels within the party. The meeting aimed to determine how many MPs remain aligned with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and whether a potential split could be avoided. A whip was issued requiring attendance, with warnings against defection. Invitations were reportedly sent via multiple channels, and confirmations of receipt were acknowledged.
Bias read (Center): The article provides a factual account of events without overtly favoring any side. It reports on the actions of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs and their response to internal party dynamics, using neutral language and presenting both the party's stance and the actions of the MPs without apparent bias.
Official sources cited
- organisation Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha member Anil Desai statement
The HinduIndependentCenter3 days ago Parliamentary body meet convened by Sena (UBT) today amid split rumoursThe Shiv Sena (UBT) has convened a meeting of its parliamentary board amid reports that six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs may be rebelling against the party. The party submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla seeking exclusive recognition as the authorized faction in Parliament. Some MPs, including Sanjay Dina Patil and Omraje Nimbalkar, reportedly did not sign the letter to the Speaker. The party claims that the breakaway MPs were offered financial incentives.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or framing. It reports on events within a political party without taking sides or using loaded terminology.
Scroll.inIndependentCenter4 days agoA Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader, Sanjay Raut, accused rival faction members of offering Rs 50 crore to MPs to defect from the party. Earlier, he denied such claims but later changed his stance, alleging inducements. Meanwhile, Uddhav Sena MP Arvind Sawant urged the Lok Sabha Speaker not to recognize any separate group or merger involving MPs elected under the party's symbol. Separately, the US military's Indo-Pacific Command reverted to its former name, the Pacific Command, after a 2018 renaming during the Trump administration.
Bias read (Center): The article presents allegations from both sides without overtly favoring one over the other. It includes direct quotes from political figures and provides context about the US military rebranding, maintaining neutrality in its reporting.
Official sources cited
- statement Sanjay Raut's social media posts
- statement Arvind Sawant's letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla
- government US Department of Defense statement on the name change of Indo-Pacific Command
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter4 days ago Uddhav’s MPs landing in Delhi today to effect a split: ReportsReports suggest that six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray faction of Shiv Sena (UBT) may be traveling to Delhi to potentially split from their current group and align with Eknath Shinde's faction. Some MPs have allegedly been offered financial incentives and ministerial positions to switch sides. Sanjay Raut, an MP from the UBT faction, criticized these developments on social media.
Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives without overtly favoring any side. It includes quotes from both factions and mentions allegations made by different parties without taking a clear stance. The language remains neutral, focusing on reporting events rather than endorsing one viewpoint over另一个
The HinduIndependentCenter4 days ago ₹15 crore will be paid to MPs tonight, says Shiv Sena (UBT) leaderA Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Sanjay Raut, claimed that attempts would be made to 'buy' seven Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs for ₹15 crore each. This came amid rumors that some MPs might leave the party and join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction. Shiv Sena (UBT) has denied these reports, while some within the Shinde camp suggested the transition was nearing completion. Shiv Sena (UBT) officials have stated their doors remain open to any member wishing to join.
Bias read (Center): The article presents multiple perspectives without overtly favoring one side. It includes statements from both Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders denying the rumors and claims from the Shinde camp suggesting the transition is imminent. The language remains neutral, avoiding loaded terms or biased phrasing.
Official sources cited
- statement Sanjay Raut's X post
- statement Statement by Shiv Sena Minister Pratap Sarnaik
- statement Statement by Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane
NDTVIndependentCenter5 days agoUddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders of the Shiv Sena are personally trying to convince their MPs to take action. Some MPs have been reported as 'not reachable', indicating potential resistance or unavailability.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on internal party dynamics without overtly favoring any side. It mentions efforts by party leaders and the unavailability of some MPs but does not present biased language or one-sided sourcing.
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter5 days ago 'MPs offered Rs 15 crore each to switch sides': Sanjay Raut's big claim amid Sena (UBT) split buzzShiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed that members of parliament from his party were allegedly being offered ₹15 crore each to switch sides, as speculation grew about a potential split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. This comes amid reports that some Shiv Sena MPs might break away and align with Eknath Shinde's faction. Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik stated that dissident MPs and MLAs who support the ideals of Bal Thackeray and trust Eknath Shinde's leadership would be welcome into the Shiv Sena. Additionally, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Deshmukh was reported to have met Union minister Pr
Bias read (Center): The article presents allegations made by Sanjay Raut without taking a stance on their validity. It includes quotes from multiple political figures and does not exhibit biased language or selective sourcing.
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter5 days ago Missing MPs, defection buzz and an open invite: Is Uddhav's Sena headed for another split?The article discusses growing speculation about a potential split within the Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, following reports that several Lok Sabha MPs might form a separate group. Senior party leader Sanjay Raut visited New Delhi, raising questions about whether he would seek support from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to recognize a new faction. However, Raut denied these claims, stating all Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs remain united.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on speculation regarding a potential party split but does not take a stance or frame the situation with clear ideological slant.
India