Blow to Uddhav as 2 UBT MPs join Shinde Sena, cite fund crunch in constituencies

Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Omraje Nimbalkar confirmed their switch to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing lack of development funds, opposition constraints, and remarks made against dissident MPs after June 18.

In Short

• Rebel UBT MPs Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar joined Shinde faction
• Nimbalkar mentioned lack of funds and development issues in Dharashiv
• Ashtikar cited remarks after June 18 for leaving Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena

Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar on Sunday confirmed their switch to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena,

Nagesh Patil Ashtikar said remarks made against him and other dissident MPs after June 18 changed their minds about staying with the Uddhav Thackeray-led party, while Nimbalkar said he took the decision after discussions with his supporters in the Dharashiv constituency. He said that due to a lack of funds, he was unable to carry out development work and address issues faced by ordinary people, which influenced his decision to move with the Shinde-led faction.

The Hingoli MP also cited a lack of development funds for his constituency and the limitations of being in the opposition as key reasons behind his decision.

Coming forward for the first time since rumours of 'Operation Tiger' began swirling, Ashtikar said he and some other Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had not made any decision until June 18.

"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 in a video posted on his social media handle.

The MP clarified that he was not upset with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray or party leader Sanjay Raut, who has been one of the most vocal critics of the dissident MPs and had used cuss words against them during a press conference.

Ashtikar said the inability to secure development funds and get work done for party workers played a major role in his decision to defect.

"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 Rs 5 crore MPLAD fund is very limited. Considering these factors, I have taken this decision," he said.

He alleged that despite his efforts over the last two years, he failed to secure 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.

Ashtikar acknowledged that some leaders in the party may be upset with his move but said they would eventually understand his position.

"I was left with no option," he said.

The MP maintained that he had not compromised on his ideology and described his move as a shift within the same political family.

"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 said.

His remarks came days after Sanjay Raut warned that rebel MPs could face the anger of Shiv Sena workers through what he termed 'Operation Tudwa'.

Responding to the warning, Ashtikar said Raut should be mindful of the consequences of such statements.

"Though he is a fatherly figure and can reprimand, he should understand that everyone has the capacity to reply in kind. Such incidents can take place once in a while. Even he (Raut) knows the after-effects," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde hinted that more developments could follow under the much-discussed 'Operation Tiger'. "You will get breaking news soon. We do not execute half-baked operations. Whatever we do is foolproof," Shinde said.

Shinde also defended Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar, saying he had been subjected to criticism despite going through a difficult personal phase.

"MP Omraje Nimbalkar was awaiting the verdict in his father's alleged murder case. He was going through immense emotional turmoil. Still, he was abused and targeted by UBT leaders. This is shameful and unacceptable," Shinde said.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also reacted to the developments, saying, "The operation is successful. The body is also healthy."

The developments gained momentum after Lok Sabha MPs Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar skipped the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17, fuelling speculation that they were preparing to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has nine Lok Sabha MPs. The dissident group can avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law if at least six MPs defect together.

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