Mumbai, Sept. 1 -- Maharashtra's volatile political landscape is once again witnessing intense speculation, with a senior leader from the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde claiming that as many as 14 MLAs from Uddhav Thackeray's camp could defect and join the ruling side ahead of Navratri.
The alleged defection drive, being referred to as "Operation Tiger Part 2," is reportedly being spearheaded by three prominent ministers from Konkan, Marathwada and Western Maharashtra. According to sources in the Shinde camp, the ministers are in active negotiations with legislators from the Thackeray faction.
The Shinde camp claims that several of the MLAs are seeking cabinet positions, ministerial portfolios or chair...