The Shiv Sena (UBT) is grappling with an escalating internal crisis as two of its Lok Sabha members, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, have defected to the faction led by Eknath Shinde. This shift bolsters the dissident group within Uddhav Thackeray’s party, with a total of six MPs now siding with the breakaway faction. Ashtikar cited the lack of development funds for his constituency and dissatisfaction with comments made against rebel MPs as reasons for his decision. He emphasized that he remains committed to Shiv Sena’s ideology, asserting that he has simply transitioned from one faction to another to better serve his constituents.
Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar also confirmed his switch but noted that he would continue to engage with supporters in his constituency before deciding on his future political approach. Despite the political rift, he made it clear that he would refrain from speaking against Uddhav Thackeray or Aaditya Thackeray. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut has claimed that some of the rebel MPs are still in communication with the party and are worried about facing backlash from the public in their respective constituencies. Raut mentioned that the party remains open to dialogue with those willing to return.
In response to the defections, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction has begun disciplinary actions against the six MPs, issuing new show-cause notices and warning of potential consequences under the anti-defection law. Party leaders are considering taking the matter to the Lok Sabha Speaker to seek the MPs’ disqualification if they fail to provide satisfactory responses. The internal strife within the Shiv Sena has heightened political tensions in Maharashtra, with both factions engaging in a war of words.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, has denied any involvement in encouraging the defections, rejecting allegations of its role in the political turmoil. As the situation unfolds, the Shiv Sena continues to face challenges in maintaining unity within its ranks, as the defection of key members threatens to weaken its political influence.
