Sena Factions Battle for Support of Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar
The political battle between rival Shiv Sena factions has intensified over securing the support of Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar, whose decision is set to determine the fate of the rebel camp's 'Operation Tiger'. Late on Saturday midnight, Shiv Sena UBT leaders Varun Sardesai and Kailas Patil visited Nimbalkar's residence in Pune to hold crucial discussions with him.
The meeting, which lasted for nearly an hour, was part of an effort by the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena UBT to convince Nimbalkar to remain with their faction. Patil and Sardesai conveyed a personal message from Thackeray, after which Nimbalkar requested an additional day to make his final decision. The party is also reportedly trying to facilitate a direct conversation between Nimbalkar and Thackeray.
Nimbalkar has emerged as the central figure in the ongoing rebellion. Out of the nine Lok Sabha MPs belonging to Sena UBT, five have reportedly backed the rebel camp, while three remain loyal to Thackeray. Under the anti-defection law, at least six MPs must defect to avoid disqualification.
Congress leader Gopal Tiwari noted that if Thackeray succeeds in retaining Nimbalkar, the rebel faction's 'Operation Tiger' will fail due to the lack of required numbers, leading to the disqualification of the defecting MPs.
The contest for Nimbalkar's support has been further complicated by recent legal developments. On Saturday, a court acquitted all the accused in the 2006 murder of Nimbalkar's father. Following the verdict, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, subsequently announcing that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would challenge the acquittal order in a higher court. Sena UBT leaders have privately noted the timing of this development amid the political struggle.
Expressing his distress over the situation, Nimbalkar stated that he felt like giving up politics, questioning the purpose of his political career if he could not secure justice for his father even after 20 years.
Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray stated that while the party leadership is open to welcoming back leaders who want to return, strict action will be taken against those who actively work against the party.
