Pawan Khera labels Maharashtra defections as Operation Keechad

Khera questioned the underlying intent behind the BJP's aggressive pursuit of MPs from rival factions, including the TMC and Shiv Sena, suggesting the strategy aims to undermine opposition strength following the party's failure to reach its ambitious 400-seat target. He framed the move as an act of political dacoity, raising concerns about the ruling party’s long-term agenda regarding constitutional stability.

The friction follows the absence of six Sena (UBT) MPs from a parliamentary party meeting on June 18. The defectors include Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, all of whom are reportedly poised to align with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Aaditya Thackeray slammed the departures, characterizing them as a betrayal driven by personal greed rather than ideological conviction, noting that these members relied on the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition to secure their seats.

Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, one of the dissenting MPs, confirmed his exit but denied holding personal animosity toward Uddhav Thackeray. He cited a breakdown in communication, specifically pointing to a lack of trust and the use of harsh rhetoric directed at the rebels following their absence from the party gathering as the primary catalysts for his departure.