More Sena (UBT) MPs Set To Join Shinde Camp As Uddhav Slams Rebels
Thackeray Accuses Rebel MPs of Betrayal, Vows to Reconnect With Party Cadre Across Maharashtra
A fresh political storm has erupted in Maharashtra as six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs are set to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, prompting party chief Uddhav Thackeray to accuse the rebels of betrayal and "selling themselves" after getting elected.
The rebellion gained momentum after Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar and Hingoli MP Nagesh Ashtikar formally announced their switch to the Shinde camp. Nimbalkar's decision came shortly after a sessions court acquitted all accused in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar, while Ashtikar cited difficulties in serving his constituency from the opposition benches.
Maharashtra Minister and Shiv Sena leader Pratap Sarnaik claimed that six MPs would officially join the Shinde-led party at 3 pm on Monday, taking its Lok Sabha strength from seven to 13 MPs. He said the rebel MPs had already submitted a letter to the Lok Sabha Speaker.
"Operation Tiger continues all 365 days. The six MPs who follow Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology are joining Shiv Sena today," Sarnaik said, while also thanking Sanjay Raut, claiming his actions had pushed both MLAs and MPs towards the Shinde camp.
The MPs reportedly considering the switch include Sanjay Deshmukh (Yavatmal-Washim), Nagesh Patil Ashtikar (Hingoli), Sanjay Jadhav (Parbhani), Bhausaheb Wakchaure (Shirdi), Sanjay Dina Patil (Mumbai North East) and Omraje Nimbalkar (Dharashiv).
Amid growing speculation of further defections, Uddhav Thackeray has launched a statewide outreach campaign to reconnect with party workers. Beginning June 27 in Yavatmal, the tour will cover Washim, Hingoli, Parbhani, Dharashiv and Shirdi — all constituencies represented by MPs rumoured to be switching sides.
Addressing party workers in Mumbai, Thackeray said he regretted campaigning for some of the rebel MPs. "They increased their value after getting elected and then sold themselves. This trend is dangerous," he said.
Thackeray also reiterated his support for Congress and attacked the BJP, alleging that the ruling party had increasingly absorbed leaders from rival political outfits.
In a morale boost for the UBT camp, Rajool Patil, daughter of MP Sanjay Dina Patil, met Thackeray at Matoshree and publicly reaffirmed her loyalty to Shiv Sena (UBT).
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Mahesh Sawant dismissed the developments, saying, "Jaane wale gaye," while party MLC Manisha Kayande said she had not received official confirmation regarding the reported defections.
