The Shiv Sena (UBT), led by Uddhav Thackeray, is grappling with a deepening internal discord as two of its Lok Sabha members, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, have officially joined the faction headed by Eknath Shinde. This shift further bolsters the factional divide within the party, with the total number of MPs siding with the dissidents rising to six.
Ashtikar attributed his switch to a lack of development funding for his constituency, alongside mounting frustration over derogatory remarks made against rebel MPs. He emphasized that his move did not signal a departure from Shiv Sena’s core ideology but rather a shift to another faction within the party to better address the needs of his constituents.
Similarly, Nimbalkar confirmed his alignment with Shinde’s camp, though he indicated that he would continue to engage with his constituents before deciding on his political direction. He made it clear that, despite the political discord, he would refrain from criticizing Uddhav Thackeray or Aaditya Thackeray.
In response, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut revealed that some of the dissident MPs are still in contact with the party and are apprehensive about potential backlash from their supporters. He stated that the party remains open to dialogue with those interested in returning. In the meantime, the party has commenced disciplinary measures against the defectors, issuing show-cause notices and hinting at possible actions under the anti-defection law. Party leaders are also contemplating approaching the Lok Sabha Speaker to seek their disqualification if they do not comply with the notices.
This defection has heightened political tensions in Maharashtra, leading to a series of accusations between the factions, while the BJP has denied any involvement in facilitating the defections. The political landscape in the state remains tumultuous as both sides continue to navigate the conflict.
