Tiger is symbol of Shiv Sena, getting stronger daily: Shinde faction MLA

Mumbai: Shiv Sena MLA Deepak Kesarkar defended the Eknath Shinde-led faction's recruitment drive, termed 'Operation Tiger', saying the tiger symbolizes Shiv Sena and the party is strengthening daily. Speaking to media, he noted that several people want to join the faction and many representatives have already done so.

Kesarkar responded to criticism from opposition figures, stating the operation reflects strong public attraction toward Shinde and the alliance government in Maharashtra. Operation Tiger is the campaign by the Shinde faction to absorb members from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT).

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam predicted the UBT faction would dissolve by 2029, claiming it is slowly dying.