Two members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) announced Sunday they will join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena [1].
The move represents a significant blow to the faction led by Uddhav Thackeray, as the party continues to struggle with internal stability and leadership challenges in Maharashtra.
Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar and Nagesh Ashtikar, also reported as Nagesh Patil [2], are the lawmakers switching sides [1]. This shift strengthens the position of Eknath Shinde within the state's complex political landscape and highlights deepening cracks in the UBT wing [1], [3].
The broader context of the defection involves a larger group of dissident lawmakers. Reports indicate there are six total dissident MPs within the UBT faction [4]. Some sources said that six MPs have already submitted a letter to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla regarding the matter [5].
However, there are contradictions regarding the specifics of these filings. While some reports indicate a broad movement of six members, other accounts suggest two Uddhav-camp MPs did not sign the letter supporting the split [3].
The political realignment comes as Shinde seeks to consolidate power and expand his influence over the original Shiv Sena identity. The departure of these two members further reduces Thackeray's legislative strength and complicates his ability to challenge Shinde's legitimacy in the region [1], [5].
“Two members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) announced Sunday they will join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.”
These defections suggest a continuing migration of power toward Eknath Shinde, potentially isolating Uddhav Thackeray's faction. By securing the support of sitting MPs, Shinde not only gains numerical strength in the Lok Sabha but also weakens the UBT faction's claim to be the primary representative of the Shiv Sena's legacy in Maharashtra.
