Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Sanjay Raut and Arvind Sawant during a press conference, in New Delhi, on June 18, 2026.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Ahead of the crucial meeting of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs in New Delhi amid heightened speculation of rebellion, party leader Arvind Sawant on Thursday (June 18, 2026) said action will be taken against those who violate the whip.Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut said a "lesson needs to be taught" to the rebels.‘Operation Tiger’ is an informal term referring to the speculations over six MPs from Shiv Sena (UBT) likely to quit the party and join Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Mr. Raut had alleged that Maharashtra’s MPs are being bought for ₹50 crore and that they sat in a plane only after they received ₹15 crore.In a swift counter-offensive to contain the damage, the party high command issued a mandatory three-line whip, summoning an emergency parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi on Thursday (June 18) to force a showdown where the MPs will have to mark their presence physically.Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Mr. Raut said the whip was issued because there was a need to discuss important issues. The whip has reached all MPs. It has been sent to their homes, emailed, and also sent on WhatsApp, he added."Action will be taken against those who violate the whip, after consulting the party chief (Uddhav Thackeray)," Mr. Sawant said.Mr. Raut said Uddhav Thackeray and NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar called him, during which it was discussed that those who resorted to treachery should not be spared, and to create ‘rada’ (ruckus) in the constituencies of MPs who ditch the party.The Sena (UBT) leader further said Mr. Pawar told him that he will go and address rallies in the constituencies of those MPs.Mr. Sawant said late Shiv Sena founder Bal Thackeray had even suggested beating up MPs, MLAs who switch sides. Published - June 18, 2026 11:55 am IST
