Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar on Sunday confirmed that they had joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Ashtikar said that comments made against him and other dissident MPs after June 18 influenced their decision to leave the Uddhav Thackeray-led party. Nimbalkar stated that he arrived at the decision after consulting his supporters in Dharashiv and cited the lack of funds for development work and addressing public issues as a major reason for joining the Shinde faction. Ashtikar also pointed to inadequate development funds for his constituency and the challenges of being in the opposition as key factors behind his move.
Speaking publicly for the first time since speculation around ‘Operation Tiger’ emerged, Ashtikar said that he and several other Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs had not made any decision until June 18. He said that remarks directed at them in the days that followed convinced them there was little reason to remain in the party. However, he clarified that he held no personal grievance against Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray or party leader Sanjay Raut, despite Raut being among the strongest critics of the dissident MPs.
Ashtikar said his inability to secure development funds and help party workers effectively played a major role in his decision. He noted that people had elected him with expectations that he would be able to resolve their issues, but operating from the opposition limited his ability to do so. He added that the Rs 5 crore MPLAD allocation was insufficient and claimed that despite efforts over the past two years, he had been unable to obtain additional funds for his constituency. According to him, joining the ruling side was necessary to continue serving the people and fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him.
While acknowledging that some party leaders might be unhappy with his decision, Ashtikar said they would eventually understand his circumstances. He maintained that he had not abandoned his ideology and described the move as a shift within the same political family rather than a change in principles. He also said that while people were free to express their displeasure, they should do so respectfully. He insisted that he would not pressure anyone to follow him but would continue to stand by his colleagues.
His comments came shortly after Sanjay Raut warned that rebel MPs could face backlash from Shiv Sena workers through what he called ‘Operation Tudwa’. In response, Ashtikar said Raut should consider the consequences of such statements, adding that while he respected him as a senior figure, everyone was capable of responding in kind and aware of the potential repercussions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde indicated that more political developments could be on the horizon under ‘Operation Tiger’, saying that further announcements would soon follow and asserting that such operations were carried out thoroughly. Shinde also defended Omraje Nimbalkar, saying the MP had faced criticism despite dealing with a difficult personal situation while awaiting the verdict in his father’s alleged murder case. He described the attacks against Nimbalkar by UBT leaders as inappropriate and insensitive.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also commented on the developments, saying that the operation had been successful. Speculation about defections intensified 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, leading to widespread reports that they were preparing to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs, and under anti-defection provisions, the dissident group could avoid disqualification if at least six MPs defect together.
