Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders have strongly refuted rumors of internal discord and potential defections within the party, asserting that all nine Members of Parliament are united. The clarification follows a meeting convened by party chief Uddhav Thackeray, which saw four MPs attend in person and five join virtually.
Party MP Anil Desai stated that such meetings are held regularly and there was no 'necessity' to convene this particular session. He emphasized that all nine MPs are united and dismissed media speculations as unnecessary. Arvind Sawant, another leader, explained that virtual attendance was due to personal reasons, including a family member's illness and a daughter's wedding.
The party's clarification comes amid political buzz surrounding an alleged 'Operation Tiger' in Maharashtra, which speculates about opposition MLAs and MPs potentially joining the ruling Mahayuti alliance. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also dismissed these claims, confirming the participation of all nine parliamentarians in the routine meeting.