The internal strife within the Shiv Sena (UBT) has escalated following the defection of two Lok Sabha MPs, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, to the faction headed by Eknath Shinde. This shift marks a significant consolidation of the dissenting faction within Uddhav Thackeray’s party, with a total of six MPs now siding with the rebels. Both Ashtikar and Nimbalkar have cited various reasons for their departure, though they maintain a commitment to the core ideology of the Shiv Sena.
Nagesh Patil Ashtikar attributed his decision to the lack of development funds allocated to his constituency and his growing irritation with the criticisms directed at rebel MPs. He emphasized that his switch was not a renunciation of the Shiv Sena’s principles but rather a move to a different faction within the party to better serve his constituents’ needs. Similarly, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar stated that while he has joined the Shinde-led group, he intends to continue engaging with his constituents to shape his political strategy. He underscored his respect for Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray by pledging not to speak against them amid the ongoing political discord.
Sanjay Raut, a leader within Shiv Sena (UBT), has asserted that some of the rebel MPs are still in communication with the party and are apprehensive about potential backlash from the public in their constituencies. He expressed that the party remains open to discussions with those MPs willing to return to the fold. Meanwhile, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has initiated disciplinary procedures against the six defected MPs, issuing show-cause notices and warning of potential actions under the anti-defection law. The party is also contemplating approaching the Lok Sabha Speaker to seek the disqualification of these MPs if they fail to provide satisfactory responses.
The defections have further strained political relations in Maharashtra, intensifying the conflict between the two factions. Both sides have engaged in a war of words, with accusations being exchanged freely. The BJP, meanwhile, has dismissed any allegations suggesting its involvement in facilitating the defections. This ongoing political turmoil continues to unfold as both factions of the Shiv Sena grapple with the repercussions of the rebellion within their ranks.