The internal turmoil within Shiv Sena (UBT) has intensified as two of its Lok Sabha members, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, have declared their allegiance to the faction led by Eknath Shinde. This shift has bolstered the ranks of the dissident group, with a total of six MPs now siding with them, deepening the crisis within Uddhav Thackeray’s party.
Ashtikar justified his decision by pointing to insufficient development funds for his constituency and mounting dissatisfaction with the criticism directed at rebel MPs. He clarified that his move was not a departure from Shiv Sena’s ideology but rather a transition within its factions to better serve his constituents’ needs. Meanwhile, Nimbalkar confirmed his defection, although he emphasized his intent to continue consulting his supporters before deciding on his political trajectory. He also assured that he would refrain from speaking against Uddhav or Aaditya Thackeray amid the ongoing discord.
In response to these defections, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that some of the rebel MPs are still in touch with the party and are worried about the potential public backlash in their constituencies. He mentioned that the party remains open to dialogue with those considering a return. Amid these developments, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has begun disciplinary measures against the defectors, issuing them fresh show-cause notices while cautioning them about potential repercussions under the anti-defection law.
The party is deliberating on seeking the disqualification of these six MPs from the Lok Sabha if they fail to respond adequately to the notices. This political rebellion has escalated tensions in Maharashtra, with both factions exchanging accusations. The BJP, on its part, has dismissed claims of its involvement in fostering these defections.