From naming his political campaigns "Operation Tiger" to adopting an assertive tone in public speeches, Shinde’s recent political approach has drawn attention across Maharashtra. While the Bharatiya Janata Party traditionally describes political defections and expansion drives as "Operation Lotus" or "Operation Kamal," Shinde has chosen to brand his political offensives and organisational expansion as "Operation Tiger."
At the Shiv Sena foundation day event, Shinde underlined the symbolism by declaring, "The tiger is in front of you, and the tiger always performs the operation." He began the address in a deep, growling tone, appearing to imitate the roar of a tiger.
The symbolism continued during the opening day of the Maharashtra Assembly's Monsoon Session. As legislators from the Uddhav Thackeray faction staged protests in front of him, Shiv Sena legislator Murji Patel presented Shinde with a portrait of a tiger. Shinde held the image for several minutes amid the demonstrations, prompting speculation that the gesture was intended to signal to political rivals and the media that the party’s traditional "tiger" image now belongs to his faction.
Bal Thackeray had adopted the roaring tiger as Shiv Sena’s symbol from the party’s inception to represent regional identity and an aggressive Hindu nationalist ideology. His uncompromising political style earned him titles such as "Tiger of Maratha" and "Maratha Tiger," which frequently appeared on party posters, banners and public platforms.
The large throne-like chair used by Bal Thackeray at Matoshree and public events often featured tiger motifs. Sofas at Matoshree carried tiger or lion head carvings, reflecting authority and influence. Supporters referred to him as "Tiger" because of his fearless personality.
Through cartoons and editorials published in Saamna, the party was often portrayed as a fierce tiger attacking political opponents. His ability to exercise influence without holding a constitutional office and his direct political rhetoric strengthened his reputation as Maharashtra’s "Tiger."
Political observers note that Shinde now appears to be drawing from the same image. Beyond the tiger symbol, he is also adopting Bal Thackeray’s style of maintaining round-the-clock accessibility for party workers and emphasising an aggressive Hindu nationalist agenda.
Recent political developments have further strengthened Shinde’s position. Following the induction of legislators and Members of Parliament from the Uddhav Thackeray faction, the Shinde camp now has more Lok Sabha members from Maharashtra than the Bharatiya Janata Party. With this numerical advantage, Shinde is reportedly focusing on attracting more legislators from the Uddhav Thackeray camp. Observers say he appears to be seeking the same dominant role within alliances that Bal Thackeray once maintained, ensuring Shiv Sena remained the senior partner while the Bharatiya Janata Party played a subordinate role. Questions are now being raised over whether Shinde intends to revive that formula.
Shinde’s faction is also considering the construction of a grand new party headquarters. According to reports, two locations are under consideration — Dadar and Bandra Kurla Complex.
Dadar has long been regarded as the cultural and political centre of Marathi society and is home to the original Shiv Sena headquarters controlled by the Thackeray faction. Establishing a new headquarters there would directly challenge the historical legacy associated with the original building.
Bandra Kurla Complex, meanwhile, is located close to Uddhav Thackeray’s residence, Matoshree, in Bandra East. A headquarters in that area would represent a display of political strength near the residence associated with the Thackeray family.
Opponents argue that Shinde’s growing confidence and political stature could not have developed without support from influential leaders at the national level. This theory was recently raised by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, who claimed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is directly backing Shinde. According to Raj Thackeray, internal differences within the Bharatiya Janata Party have led Amit Shah to cultivate a separate and powerful political bloc ahead of the 2029 political battle.
The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) mouthpiece Saamna also questioned whether there was a larger effort to weaken Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In an editorial, the publication asked who stood to benefit from undermining the Bharatiya Janata Party’s most prominent leader in the state.
Reports emerging from rival camps claim that Shinde has been granted complete freedom over administrative power and financial resources to build a parallel political structure capable of balancing Devendra Fadnavis and ensuring that ultimate control remains with the national leadership.
Political observers believe that the developments are no longer confined to a battle against Uddhav Thackeray. The unfolding strategy appears aimed at establishing Eknath Shinde as the undisputed leader representing both the Maratha community and the Hindu nationalist political space in Maharashtra, potentially reshaping the state's political balance for years to come.
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