Daijiworld Media Network – Nagpur
Nagpur, Jun 17: Maharashtra minister and senior BJP leader Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday dismissed allegations linking the BJP to reports of a possible split within the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), asserting that his party has no role in any alleged attempts to engineer defections.
His remarks come amid intense political speculation that a section of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may break away and form a separate group, fuelling uncertainty within the opposition camp in Maharashtra.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, Bawankule said he was unaware of the alleged "Operation Tiger" that has dominated political discussions in recent days.
“I have no information about Operation Tiger, its objective or who is behind it. Therefore, I cannot comment on such speculation,” he said.
The BJP leader was responding to allegations made by Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, who recently claimed that attempts were being made to lure Maharashtra MPs with financial incentives to switch sides.
Bawankule categorically denied any BJP involvement, saying the party had no connection with the developments being discussed.
He maintained that matters concerning elected representatives and party affairs should be resolved internally by the respective political organisations.
“Decisions regarding Shiv Sena will be taken by Eknath Shinde, while Uddhav Thackeray will handle issues within Shiv Sena (UBT). Only the leaders concerned know the internal situation of their parties,” he said.
Criticising attempts to drag the BJP into the controversy, Bawankule termed such allegations baseless.
Commenting on reports of legislators and MPs leaving the Shiv Sena (UBT), he suggested that Uddhav Thackeray should introspect and identify the reasons behind the dissatisfaction within his party.
“Instead of blaming others, leaders should understand why some elected representatives may be considering leaving the organisation,” he said.
Addressing allegations that lawmakers were being offered money to defect, Bawankule said it was inappropriate to assume that political decisions are made solely on financial considerations.
“There may be several factors behind such decisions. Parties should focus on understanding those reasons rather than making unverified allegations,” he added.
The BJP leader also dismissed speculation regarding a possible change in Maharashtra's leadership after Shiv Sena MLA Narendra Bhondekar suggested that Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde could become chief minister if Devendra Fadnavis moved to national politics.
Describing the remarks as Bhondekar’s personal opinion, Bawankule said every legislator was entitled to express individual views. However, he emphasised that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis continues to enjoy a strong mandate and remains focused on the state's development agenda under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Rejecting rumours of Fadnavis shifting to Delhi, Bawankule said the chief minister remains committed to his vision of making Maharashtra a developed state by 2047.
As speculation over a possible split in Shiv Sena (UBT) continues, BJP leaders have sought to distance themselves from the controversy, while opposition leaders continue efforts to maintain unity within their ranks.