Congress Media and Publicity Chairperson Pawan Khera on Monday referred to the alleged “Operation Tiger” defection developments in Maharashtra as “Operation Keechad” (mud), while targeting the BJP over the reported rebellion within the Shiv Sena (UBT) camp. Khera accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties and questioned its motives, alleging that the ruling party was “taking away MPs” after falling short of its electoral expectations in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

He remarked that the situation should be called “Operation Keechad” since, according to him, the BJP was unable to secure stronger results in certain constituencies and was now allegedly drawing leaders from other parties, including the TMC and Shiv Sena (UBT). He further questioned the intent behind such political developments, suggesting it was an attempt to reshape the political structure of the country.

His comments came in the backdrop of six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs reportedly distancing themselves from a party parliamentary meeting held on June 18, sparking speculation about internal dissent. The MPs involved include Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, who are now being linked with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Aaditya Thackeray criticized the dissenting MPs, accusing them of putting personal interests ahead of party ideology and the mandate given by voters under the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance.

One of the rebel MPs, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, later confirmed his departure from the party, stating in a social media video that a lack of trust and the use of harsh language against him and other MPs after they skipped the parliamentary meeting influenced his decision. He also clarified that he holds no personal grievances against party chief Uddhav Thackeray.