Uddhav Thackeray faction (UBT) has suffered a major setback. Their 2 MPs, Om Raje Nimbalkar and Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, have joined the Shinde faction. He cited insult and obstruction in development works as the reasons for leaving the party.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Uddhav Thackeray faction (UBT) has suffered a major setback in Maharashtra. There were reports that 6 of his MPs may rebel. Meanwhile, on Sunday, two MPs openly announced to join Shinde faction’s Shiv Sena. These MPs are Om Raje Nimbalkar and Nagesh Patil Ashtikar. Amidst this political turmoil, Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis quipped, ‘Operation Success. Patient healthy’ (ie the operation to bring the MPs was successful). CM Eknath Shinde also agreed to his statement.
‘Left the party after getting fed up with the abuses’
Releasing a video message on Sunday, Ashtikar said, ‘I had not taken any decision to change the party till June 18. But that day very derogatory words were used for me. That’s when I decided to leave the party. In his gestures, he targeted Sanjay Raut, a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray, who had allegedly used abusive language against him.
Ashtikar clarified, ‘I have not made any compromise with the ideology. I am just moving from one Shiv Sena to another. Being in the opposition, he was not getting anything except the MP fund of Rs 5 crore. It had become difficult to do development work. That is why I am joining Shinde faction’s Shiv Sena.
Nimbalkar also said goodbye
Meanwhile, MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar also announced to join Shinde Sena. His name was also being mentioned in the list of those 6 rebel UBT MPs. He made this announcement after a public meeting in his area.
Sanjay Raut’s counterattack
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut hit back and said, ‘The MPs who are leaving the party are afraid of the anger of the people in their area. Some more dissatisfied MPs are still in touch with us.