The internal turbulence within Shiv Sena (UBT) has intensified with the departure of two Lok Sabha members, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, aligning themselves with the faction led by Eknath Shinde. This shift adds to the growing dissent within Uddhav Thackeray’s faction, as now six MPs have joined the dissident camp. Ashtikar cited insufficient development funds for his constituency as a driving factor for his decision, expressing dissatisfaction with the criticism directed at rebel MPs. He emphasized his commitment to Shiv Sena’s core ideology, clarifying that his move was intended to better fulfill his duties to his constituents.
Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, while confirming his switch, noted that he plans to continue engaging with his supporters before finalizing his political strategy. Despite the ongoing discord, he assured that he would refrain from speaking against Uddhav Thackeray or his son Aaditya Thackeray. This development highlights the underlying tensions brewing within the party.
In response to the ongoing rebellion, Sanjay Raut, a prominent leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), mentioned that certain rebel MPs are still in touch with the party, expressing concerns over potential backlash from voters in their regions. Raut indicated that the party remains open to dialogue with those considering a return, signaling a possible path to reconciliation.
The Uddhav Thackeray faction has reacted by initiating disciplinary measures against the six MPs, issuing new show-cause notices and threatening action under the anti-defection law. The party leadership is also contemplating approaching the Lok Sabha Speaker to seek disqualification of these members should they fail to comply with the notices.
This political upheaval has further escalated tensions in Maharashtra, as both factions continue to exchange blame. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed accusations of its involvement in fostering these defections, distancing itself from the intra-party conflict.