Uday Samant's Shinde-Themed Post Add Fuels To 'Operation Tiger' Speculation In Maharashtra

Published 18 June 2026 · india

Uday Samant's Shinde-Themed Post Add Fuels To 'Operation Tiger' Speculation In Maharashtra Curated By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 11:26 IST Uday Samant posts graphic

Uday Samant's Shinde-Themed Post Add Fuels To 'Operation Tiger' Speculation In Maharashtra Curated By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 11:26 IST Uday Samant posts graphic praising Eknath Shinde amid alleged Operation Tiger, as reports say six Shiv Sena UBT MPs may defect, News18 Amid mounting political speculation over the alleged ‘Operation Tiger’ in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena minister Uday Samant shared a cryptic social media post featuring Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, triggering fresh discussion in political circles. The poster featuring Shinde carried the Marathi slogan, “Mothe Mothe Gaar Kele Matbbar", roughly translating to, “Even the biggest heavyweights were brought down." In Marathi, Samant wrote: “Gammat gammat mein acche-acchon ko kiya gaar." The remark is being interpreted to mean that even formidable political rivals were outmanoeuvred with ease, without much noise or fanfare. The post comes at a time when Maharashtra politics is abuzz with talk of ‘Operation Tiger’—an alleged move by the ruling Mahayuti alliance to engineer defections from rival parties, particularly the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Leaders of the Uddhav Thackeray camp have accused the alliance of attempting to lure their MPs and legislators, allegations repeatedly denied by leaders of the ruling coalition. Supporters of the alleged exercise describe it as an effort to bring leaders back to the “original" Shiv Sena led by Shinde, while critics view it as another round of defections similar to the 2022 rebellion that toppled the Uddhav Thackeray government. Reports suggest that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may join or are in touch with Shinde’s faction, a number significant enough to seek recognition as a separate parliamentary group. UBT leader Sanjay Raut has alleged that MPs were offered up to Rs 50 crore each, including an advance payment of Rs 15 crore, to switch sides. He has also claimed that chartered flights were arranged for legislators. The Shinde camp and the BJP have denied the allegations.

This version is more accurate because it reflects that Samant shared a graphic praising Shinde, rather than merely posting a cryptic text message. Why Is It called ‘Operation Tiger’? The “tiger" is historically associated with the Shiv Sena’s political identity and symbolism. Supporters of the alleged move describe it as an attempt to bring leaders back to the “original" Shiv Sena led by Shinde, while critics see it as another round of defections similar to the 2022 split that toppled the Uddhav Thackeray government. What Is Happening Now? According to reports, six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) have either joined or are preparing to join Shinde’s Shiv Sena. The number six is politically significant because it can help them seek recognition as a separate parliamentary group and potentially avoid anti-defection issues. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Anushka Vats Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom.