‘Not Operation Tiger, It’s Operation Devendra Fadnavis’: Aaditya Thackeray Targets Shinde Sena, Predicts BJP’s 2029 Challenge

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray launched a sharp political attack on the ruling alliance on Tuesday, dismissing the reported "Operation Tiger" campaign as nothing more than "Operation Devendra Fadnavis" following the defection of senior MLC Sachin Ahir to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

Responding to Ahir’s decision to switch camps, Aaditya alleged that the political developments were being driven by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis rather than the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Referring to the reported strategy of inducting leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray camp, he said, “This is not 'Operation Tiger' but 'Operation Devendra Fadnavis'.”

The remarks came shortly after Ahir formally joined the Shinde faction and filed his nomination as the Shiv Sena’s official candidate for the post of Deputy Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. His nomination was filed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Aaditya also widened his attack to the national political stage, claiming that the BJP would face a difficult electoral battle in 2029 over allegations linked to the Ram Mandir donation controversy. He alleged that people would hold those responsible for corruption accountable.

Speaking to reporters, Aaditya said, “The 2029 election poses a massive challenge for the BJP. The very BJP that undertook a 'Rath Yatra' over the Ram Mandir issue is today engaging in land theft and scams in Ayodhya. There will be a change in 2029, and the people of the country will not spare those who have committed corruption in Ayodhya and Ujjain.”

Sachin Ahir’s exit is being viewed as a significant setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT), as he had been associated with the party’s organisational network in Mumbai and was considered one of Aaditya Thackeray’s close political associates. His move has also intensified speculation that more leaders from the Uddhav Thackeray camp could join the Shinde faction in the coming months.

Reacting to the latest political developments, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi said party loyalty has become increasingly rare in modern politics. Commenting on Ahir’s defection, he said, “Nowadays, in politics, there's no telling who will go where. Loyalty has almost completely disappeared. People only look at where they have better opportunities—whether they can become a minister or where they stand to gain more.”