22 June,2026 12:03 PM IST | Dharashiv | mid-day online correspondent
Lok Sabha MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar. Pic/X
In a significant setback for Shiv Sena (UBT), Lok Sabha MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar on Sunday announced that he will join the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Nimbalkar, who is among the six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs considered part of a dissident group within the party, made the announcement after arriving in Dharashiv from Pune and interacting with his supporters.
The move comes amid growing speculation over the future of several Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentarians who have remained absent from recent party activities and meetings.
Addressing reporters, Nimbalkar said the decision was made after consulting supporters and associates.
"Today, after speaking with everyone, we have decided that we will join Shiv Sena and work under the leadership of Eknath Shinde."
The MP indicated that his decision was influenced by political and developmental considerations, particularly the challenges of functioning as an Opposition representative.
According to Nimbalkar, the lack of representation in government had limited his ability to address local issues and fulfil the expectations of constituents over the past two years.
Explaining the reasons behind his decision, Nimbalkar referred to the party's performance in local body elections and the difficulties faced while serving from the Opposition benches.
"We lost because we were not in power. As I am not part of the government, I couldn't do much for the people in the last two years. Considering these factors, I have decided to join Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. He stood with us. I have interacted with Shinde and CM Fadnavis."
His remarks suggest that access to government support and administrative machinery played a role in the decision to switch political allegiance.
The development is expected to further strengthen the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, which has been seeking to expand its influence ahead of upcoming political contests in Maharashtra.
Nimbalkar also referred to the acquittal of former Maharashtra home minister Padamsinh Patil in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar.
The MP said he had raised the issue with senior leaders and sought intervention to ensure that the matter received a fair hearing through legal channels.
"They (Shinde and Fadnavis) made me speak with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. I requested him to do justice for us. Later, Shinde also said that the CBI will file an appeal. We don't want a favour, but I have demanded that the verdict should be based on merit," he told reporters.
Nimbalkar's announcement comes days after six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs skipped the party's parliamentary meeting in New Delhi on June 17, intensifying speculation about a possible split within the parliamentary wing.
The MPs who remained absent were Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar.
Their absence triggered political discussions over a possible realignment in Maharashtra politics, particularly after several leaders were seen interacting with senior figures in the ruling alliance.
Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine members in the Lok Sabha. Under the anti-defection law, at least six MPs - two-thirds of the party's parliamentary strength - would be required for a split group to avoid disqualification.
With Nimbalkar publicly confirming his decision to join the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, attention is now focused on whether the remaining dissident MPs will follow suit in the coming days.
