Congress Criticizes BJP's Alleged Political Maneuvering in Maharashtra
In a recent statement, Congress leader Pawan Khera condemned the BJP's alleged attempts to poach MPs in Maharashtra, dubbing the situation 'Operation Mud.' He raised questions about the BJP's motives following a significant reduction in their seat count ahead of the 2024 elections. This controversy follows a rebellion within the Shiv Sena (UBT), where several MPs opted out of a parliamentary meeting, hinting at a potential shift to the faction led by Eknath Shinde. Aditya Thackeray also criticized the rebel leaders for prioritizing personal interests over their political duties. Read on for a deeper insight into this unfolding political drama.
Jun 22, 2026, 13:09 IST
Pawan Khera's Strong Remarks on Political Defections
On Monday, Pawan Khera, the media and publicity chairperson of Congress, labeled the discussions surrounding political defections in Maharashtra as 'Operation Mud' and raised concerns about the recent rebellion within the Shiv Sena (UBT). Speaking to a news outlet, Khera questioned the intentions of the BJP, alleging that the ruling party is attempting to poach MPs after being reduced to 240 seats in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Khera referred to the situation as 'Operation Mud,' pointing out that the BJP's lotus symbol has failed to bloom in these constituencies. He questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi seems so distressed about the party's reduced seat count, suggesting that the BJP is now resorting to stealing MPs from other parties like TMC and Shiv Sena. He raised concerns about the underlying motives, asking if there is an intention to alter the Constitution and what the true purpose of this political maneuvering is.
This controversy arose after six MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) rebelled on June 18, opting not to attend a parliamentary party meeting. The MPs who did not participate include Sanjay Deshmukh from Yavatmal-Washim, Nagesh Patil Aashtikar from Hingoli, Sanjay Jadhav from Parbhani, Bhau Saheb Wakchoure from Shirdi, Sanjay Dina Patil from Mumbai North East, and Omprakash Raj Nimbalkar from Osmanabad, all of whom are likely to join the faction led by Eknath Shinde.
Earlier today, Aditya Thackeray accused the rebel leaders of prioritizing personal greed over their political commitments. In a post on X, Thackeray claimed that these legislators, elected with the support of Congress and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), have abandoned the ideologies they were elected to represent.
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