A fresh political setback has hit Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) after two rebel Members of Parliament formally announced their decision to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, giving fresh momentum to the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's much-talked-about 'Operation Tiger.' The latest defections have intensified the political battle in Maharashtra, with senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis declaring 'Operation Tiger' a success while Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hinted that even more political surprises are on the way, saying the public would soon receive "breaking news." Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar defended his decision, insisting that he had merely moved "from one Shiv Sena to another." He also cited a lack of development funds and recent remarks from the Uddhav camp as reasons behind his exit, saying there was "no point in staying." Meanwhile, Omraje Nimbalkar's decision came shortly after the verdict in the Pawanraje murder case. WATCH

A political storm is brewing within Shiv Sena (UBT) as speculation grows over a possible formal split, with a group of rebel Members of Parliament preparing to publicly explain their actions in a high-profile press conference in Delhi. The rebel MPs are expected to present documents, including a letter and photographs related to their meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, in an effort to explain the sequence of events that has fueled the ongoing political controversy. Sources indicate that six MPs, including Sanjay Jadhav and Omraje Nimbalkar, travelled to Delhi through multiple routes before assembling for coordinated discussions ahead of the anticipated media briefing. The developments have intensified speculation about a possible second split within Shiv Sena (UBT), although no formal announcement has yet been made. Political observers note that any official split would involve legal and procedural challenges under existing anti-defection provisions. WATCH