‘Those Who Want To Leave Can Go’: Uddhav Thackeray’s Message To Party MPs Amid ‘Op Tiger’ Buzz?

Published 16 June 2026 · local

‘Those Who Want To Leave Can Go’: Uddhav Thackeray’s Message To Party MPs Amid ‘Op Tiger’ Buzz? Reported By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 13:30

‘Those Who Want To Leave Can Go’: Uddhav Thackeray’s Message To Party MPs Amid ‘Op Tiger’ Buzz? Reported By, Last Updated: June 16, 2026, 13:30 IST Even as MPs and sources confirmed Uddhav Thackeray's remarks, Sanjay Raut insisted that no such statement was made by Sena UBT chief Rapid Read Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray with party leader Sanjay Raut. (PTI File) As speculation over the Shiv Sena’s alleged “Operation Tiger" continues to dominate Maharashtra’s political discourse, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray sought to strike a note of resilience during a meeting with the party’s MPs, while leaders from both camps continue to offer sharply contrasting versions of events. According to sources present at the meeting, Thackeray told MPs that those who wished to leave the party were free to do so and that he would only wish them well. Reflecting on the 2022 rebellion that split the Shiv Sena, he is learnt to have said that he was aware of the developments even when he was Chief Minister but chose not to pressure anyone into staying. “A major split took place in the party four years ago. Forty MLAs walked away. Do you think I was unaware of what was happening?" Thackeray told MPs. He is also said to have remarked that those who abandoned Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena would eventually regret their decision, but by then it would be too late.

“Today may not be my time, but tomorrow certainly will be. Until then, we will have to endure and persevere," he added. #WATCH | On Shiv Sena MLC Krupal Tumane’s claims 7 Shiv Sena UBT MPs are in touch with his party, shive Sena UBT leader Sanjay Raut says, “Who is he? There is no such person in Maharashtra politics. Today, there are such people in Shinde group and say anything. Who will split… pic.twitter.com/s7tqDdLbee— ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2026 RAUT’S DENIAL However, today in Delhi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut strongly pushed back against reports suggesting that Thackeray had told leaders they were free to leave. Raut, who said he was present throughout the meeting, insisted that no such statement was made by the party chief. “Uddhav Thackeray did not say that those who want to go should leave, and he would never say such a thing," Raut said. Defending Thackeray’s leadership style, Raut said there was no leader in Maharashtra who met as many party workers as the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief. “After Sharad Pawar, Uddhav Thackeray is the leader who meets the maximum number of people. The doors of Matoshree are always open," he said. Raut also dismissed speculation about cracks within the party’s parliamentary ranks, asserting that all nine Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs remain united.