The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has expelled Member of Parliament Nagesh Patil Ashtikar after he crossed over to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction [1].
This defection signals a potential shift in power dynamics within Maharashtra's political landscape. If more lawmakers follow Ashtikar, the Shiv Sena (UBT) could face a significant reduction in its legislative strength and influence in the Hingoli district.
Ashtikar, who represents the Hingoli district, confirmed his exit from the UBT faction to join the Shinde-led group [2]. The expulsion follows accusations of anti-party activities, as the party leadership moved to penalize the lawmaker for his crossover [1].
Ashtikar cited the necessity of securing resources for his constituents as a primary motivator for the move. "I have joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, citing the need for development funds to serve my constituency," Ashtikar said [3].
This move appears to be part of a larger trend of instability within the party. Reports indicate that six rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs are likely to announce a formal split from the faction [4]. These lawmakers are expected to release photos and documents to support their decision to leave the party [4].
The Shinde faction has continued to absorb members from the UBT wing, further consolidating its hold over the Shiv Sena brand and its political machinery in Maharashtra. The UBT faction has responded by swiftly expelling those who violate party discipline [1].
“The Shiv Sena (UBT) faction has expelled Member of Parliament Nagesh Patil Ashtikar.”
The expulsion of Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and the potential departure of five additional MPs suggest a systemic fragility within the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction. By leveraging development funds as a catalyst for defection, the Shinde-led faction is successfully eroding the opposition's parliamentary base. This trend could weaken the UBT faction's bargaining power in future coalition negotiations and diminish its visibility in key Maharashtra districts.
