Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar and Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar of the Shiv Sena (UBT) on Sunday announced their decision to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, marking a significant setback for the Uddhav Thackeray faction amid rising signs of internal rebellion within its parliamentary ranks.
Omraje Nimbalkar said the decision was taken after consultations with supporters and local party workers, days after he skipped a Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi, which had already triggered speculation of a possible split.
“We have decided to join Shiv Sena and will work under the leadership of Eknath Shinde," Nimbalkar said, confirming his shift to the ruling faction. He added that the move reflected the sentiment of his constituency workers who felt the need for stronger organisational backing.
The development has come at a time when the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) has been grappling with reports of dissatisfaction among several MPs over constituency support and internal coordination. A group of six MPs had recently skipped a parliamentary party meeting, further fuelling speculation of a widening rift within the party.
In a parallel development, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar also confirmed his crossover to the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In a video message, he said he had not taken any decision until June 18 but changed his position after certain remarks made during the ongoing political tensions.
“We had not taken any decision until June 18. We had not gone anywhere. However, certain remarks were made against us since Thursday, which made us believe that there is no point in staying here,” Ashtikar said.
He also cited governance-related concerns, particularly the lack of development funds and difficulties in getting constituency work executed while being in the Opposition. He said the Rs 5 crore MPLAD allocation was “very limited” and insufficient to meet public expectations.
Ashtikar further responded sharply to comments made by party leader Sanjay Raut, asking him to “mind his language,” and warning that such remarks could have political consequences. He, however, clarified that he held no personal grievance against Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray.
The twin defections have intensified concerns within the Shiv Sena (UBT), which currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs. With multiple lawmakers reportedly in touch with the Shinde-led faction, led by Eknath Shinde, the possibility of further political realignments cannot be ruled out.
The developments come against the backdrop of continued instability within the Shiv Sena ecosystem, which had already witnessed a major split earlier, and now faces renewed uncertainty in its parliamentary strength.
Also read: Shiv Sena turns 60: Two factions face existential crisis
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