The internal discord within Shiv Sena (UBT) has escalated as two of its Lok Sabha members, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, have officially joined the faction led by Eknath Shinde. This move marks a significant shift in allegiance, with a total of six MPs now siding with the dissident faction, intensifying the challenges faced by Uddhav Thackeray’s leadership. Ashtikar, explaining his decision, cited inadequate development funding for his constituency and dissatisfaction with comments directed at rebel MPs, insisting that he remains committed to Shiv Sena’s core ideology but has shifted factions to better serve his constituents.
Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar also confirmed his switch to the Shinde faction, although he emphasized that he would continue to engage with his constituency supporters before deciding on his future political path. He was clear about maintaining respect for Uddhav Thackeray and Aaditya Thackeray, despite the current political turmoil. In the midst of these defections, Sanjay Raut, a leader from Shiv Sena (UBT), asserted that some of the rebel MPs are still in contact with the party, expressing concerns over how these shifts might be perceived in their electoral regions. Raut also highlighted the party’s willingness to welcome back those considering a return.
In response to the ongoing defections, Uddhav Thackeray’s faction has initiated disciplinary actions against the six MPs who have defected, issuing new show-cause notices and hinting at the potential invocation of the anti-defection law. Party officials are contemplating approaching the Lok Sabha Speaker to seek disqualification of these MPs should they fail to provide satisfactory responses to the notices.
The political landscape in Maharashtra is becoming increasingly charged due to these developments, with both factions engaging in a war of words. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, has denied any involvement in the internal discord of the Shiv Sena, dismissing allegations that it had a role in encouraging the defections.