Jalna, June 17 (IANS) Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Wednesday said the growing number of leaders joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena reflects confidence in the party’s governance and development-oriented approach.

Speaking to reporters, Shaina NC said that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s popularity is evident from the steady influx of leaders from across Maharashtra.

“Our leader Eknath Shinde’s popularity is well known. Every day, leaders from regions such as Amravati, Nanded, Solapur, Kolhapur, Parbhani, and Latur are joining the party, and the list continues to grow,” she said.

According to Shaina NC, the trend highlights public faith in the government’s performance and commitment to development.

“Rather than using terms like ‘Operation Tiger’ or engaging in speculation, people should understand that the only operation being carried out is for the development and progress of Maharashtra,” she said.

Responding to reports of political leaders switching sides, she said there was no need for speculation.

“I believe we should not speculate. If people are choosing to join Shiv Sena on their own, as we have been witnessing, they are welcome, provided it is in the interest of Maharashtra and its people,” she added.

Meanwhile, political circles are abuzz with reports that six Lok Sabha MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) may form a separate group and merge with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. According to sources, the much-discussed ‘Operation Tiger’ is in its final stages and could be completed by June 19.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena(UBT) spokesperson and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut has alleged that monetary transactions were involved in engineering the defection.

In a series of his posts on X, Raut sarcastically said, “Apna Sapna Money Money! It’s shocking and revolting that Maharashtra MPs are reportedly being offered Rs 15 crore each tonight to switch sides.”

Replying to Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, he stated, “No no – Mahua ji, the Minimum Support Price is fixed at Rs 50 crore per MP… Rs 15 crore is just the advance. Frankly, these people aren’t even worth Rs 50,000. Their price has only gone up because of the Shiv Sena and TMC brand label.”

He further said, “A chartered plane lands at Nanded Airport. Under the guise of Operation Tiger, it picks up two MPs and takes off. They didn’t have the means to even travel by rickshaw. Thanks to Thackeray’s name, their worth has risen to the level of flying in private jets. An account of every single thing will be taken. The escape of cowardly foxes has been thwarted.”

Countering media reports that six party MPs have already landed in New Delhi, Raut remarked, “The magic of the media is this. Nashik’s MP Rajabhau Waje has left for Delhi for the industry committee meeting, and here the news is showing something entirely different. Nagesh Ashtekar, Hingoli MP, said, “I’m in Hingoli, but these people can forge my fake signature!” Now, these people, who are doing this. This time, the public and the Shiv Sainiks won’t let them off the hook. That’s for sure!”

–IANS

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