Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has reportedly called a meeting with the MPs of his party on Sunday. The meeting has been called amid speculation that some MPs might switch sides. The Sena (UBT) has nine Lok Sabha MPs.
An MP said the meeting has been called at Matoshri, Thackeray’s home in Mumbai’s Bandra East area, on Sunday at noon, reported news agency PTI.
Another Sena (UBT) MP, however, told the news agency the meeting has nothing to do with the speculation. “It is a routine meeting,” the MP said.
What Is Operation Tiger?
The development assumes significance amid the buzz that some MPs might cross over to the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, under ‘Operation Tiger’. However, Shinde has denied allegiance to any such ‘operation’.
Read More – Fresh Trouble For Uddhav? Reports Claim 7 MPs In Touch With Eknath Shinde Faction
Replying to a question in Delhi earlier this week, Shinde had dismissed the claim, saying elections were over and there was no need for any number game.
Notably, Shiv Sena, with its seven MPs, is the third-largest partner of the BJP at the Centre.
Opposition Cautious After TMC Crisis?
The opposition seems to be cautious after the rebel camp in Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress (TMC) extended its support to the BJP.
Read More – Mamata’s Rapid Reshuffle Amid TMC Revolt: Saayoni Ghosh, Sudip Bandyopadhyay Sacked from Key Positions
The dissident camp claims the backing of 20 TMC MPs, and if they cross over, the arithmetic at the Centre will likely change significantly.
In response to the development, Mamata Banerjee restructured the Trinamool Congress. She replaced Saayoni Ghosh with Arnab Banerjee as TMC’s youth wing president. The party also replaced on Saturday Kolkata Dakshin MP Mala Roy with Alifa Ahmed, TMC MLA from Kaliganj in Nadia district, as the president of its women’s wing, the Trinamool Mahila Congress.