The internal discord within Shiv Sena (UBT) has deepened as two of its Lok Sabha members, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, have opted to join the Eknath Shinde-led faction of the party. This move amplifies the ongoing rebellion within Uddhav Thackeray’s group, as it brings the total number of MPs siding with the dissidents to six. Ashtikar cited a lack of development funds for his constituency and dissatisfaction with the remarks directed at rebel MPs as reasons for his switch. He emphasized that his allegiance to Shiv Sena’s ideology remains unchanged, asserting that he simply migrated from one faction to another to better serve his constituents.
Nimbalkar also confirmed his decision to switch allegiance but expressed his intention to continue consulting his supporters before finalizing his political course. Despite the ongoing conflict, he assured that he would refrain from speaking against Uddhav Thackeray or Aaditya Thackeray. This development has heightened political tensions in Maharashtra, with accusations exchanged between the factions, although the BJP has denied involvement in fostering these defections.
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut, a leader within Shiv Sena (UBT), claimed that some of the rebel MPs are still in touch with the party and are apprehensive about potential backlash from their constituencies. He reiterated the party’s openness to dialogue with those willing to reconsider their stance and return to Uddhav Thackeray’s fold.
In response to the unfolding rebellion, the leadership of the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has initiated disciplinary actions against the six MPs. They have issued fresh show-cause notices and warned of possible repercussions under the anti-defection law. There are also considerations to approach the Lok Sabha Speaker to seek disqualification of the defecting MPs should they fail to comply with the party’s directives.