In a setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT), party MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, one of the six dissidents, announced on Sunday that he will join the Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Nimbalkar’s announcement came shortly after Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar confirmed his move to the ruling Shiv Sena faction, the Hindustan Times reported earlier.
Nimbalkar arrived in Dharashiv from Pune in the afternoon and interacted with his supporters, news agency PTI reported. He cited the Sena (UBT)’s defeat in the local body elections and his inability to do much for the people because of being in opposition.
“We lost because we were not in power. As I am not part of the government, I couldn’t do much for the people in the last two years. Considering these factors, I have decided to join Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. He stood with us. I have interacted with Shinde and CM Fadnavis,” Nimbalkar was quoted as saying.
Nimbalkar also referred to the acquittal of former state home minister Padamsinh Patil in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar.
“They [Shinde and Fadnavis] made me speak with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. I requested him to do justice for us. Later, Shinde also said that the CBI [Central Bureau of Investigation] will file an appeal. We don’t want a favour, but I have demanded that the verdict should be based on merit,” he told reporters.
Nimbalkar and Nagesh Patil were the first among Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to come forward after rumours about ‘Operation Tiger’ began swirling. There were speculations that six to seven MPs of Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena (UBT) were in touch with Shinde’s Sena and were considering switching parties.
Nagesh Patil jumps ship to Shinde’s Sena
Earlier in the day, rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar claimed he and other members had “not gone anywhere” until June 18, but changed their mind after certain remarks were made against them, an apparent reference to party leader Sanjay Raut.
“I, and some other MPs [of Sena-UBT], had not made any decision until June 18. We had not gone anywhere. However, certain remarks were made against us since Thursday, which made us believe that there is no point in staying here [Sena-UBT],” he said.
“I have not gone anywhere. I just moved from the Shiv Sena to Shiv Sena. People can express their anger, but simultaneously, they should mind their language. I will not push anyone to come with me. But I will stand with them,” he added.
In a video clip posted on his social media handle, Ashtikar said he has not compromised on his ideology and “has just gone from one Shiv Sena to another”.
He also cited the lack of development funds and other disadvantages of being in the Opposition, such as the inability to get party activists’ work done, as important reasons for his defection.
Ashtikar clarified that he was not upset with Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and party leader Sanjay Raut, the most vocal critic of the dissident MPs who had used cuss words against them during a press conference.
“The work of party workers is not being done as we are not on the side of power. People elected us with a lot of expectation, and getting their work done is my job. But I was not getting any development funds. The ₹5 crore MPLAD fund is very limited. Considering these factors, I have taken this decision,” Ashtikar claimed.
He also alleged that despite his best efforts in the last two years, he failed to get funds for his Lok Sabha constituency.
“We need funds, and I have taken this step. I will keep working for the people, and I will complete the responsibility assigned to me by the people,” he added.
Apparently referring to the Sena (UBT) leadership, Ashtikar said some people might be upset with him, but they will eventually understand his position. “I was left with no option,” he added.
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