As speculation of a rebellion in Shiv Sena (UBT) intensifies, six of the party’s Lok Sabha MPs skipped the parliamentary meeting in New Delhi on Thursday (June 18, 2026). Only four MPs were present — Arvind Sawant, Anil Desai, Rajabhau Waje, and the party’s lone Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut.
The six MPs in question who skipped the meeting amid ‘Operation Tiger’ buzz are Nagesh Aashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Sanjay Dina Patil, Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Bhausaheb Wakchaure.
“We had issued a whip to them. They will be issued a show cause notice. Action will be taken as per party discipline,” Anil Desai said.
‘Operation Tiger’ is an informal term referring to the speculations over six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) likely to quit the party and join Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Mr. Raut had alleged that Maharashtra’s MPs are being bought for ₹50 crore and that they sat in a plane only after they received ₹15 crore.
Ahead of the crucial meeting, party leader Arvind Sawant said action will be taken against those who violate the whip. Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said a "lesson needs to be taught" to the rebels.
In a swift counter-offensive to contain the damage, the party high command issued a mandatory three-line whip, summoning an emergency parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi on Thursday (June 18) to force a showdown where the MPs will have to mark their presence physically.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Mr. Raut said the whip was issued because there was a need to discuss important issues. The whip has reached all MPs. It has been sent to their homes, emailed, and also sent on WhatsApp, he added.
"Action will be taken against those who violate the whip, after consulting the party chief (Uddhav Thackeray)," Mr. Sawant said.
Mr. Raut said Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar called him, during which it was discussed that those who resorted to treachery should not be spared, and to create ‘rada’ (ruckus) in the constituencies of MPs who ditch the party.
The Sena (UBT) leader further said Mr. Pawar told him that he will go and address rallies in the constituencies of those MPs.
Mr. Sawant said late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had even suggested beating up MPs, MLAs who switch sides.
With PTI inputs
Published - June 18, 2026 11:55 am IST
Maharashtra / India / Shiv Sena
Source: The Hindu - India News
