Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, one of the six dissident parliamentarians, stated on Sunday that he will determine his political trajectory only after consulting the residents of his constituency, Dharashiv (Osmanabad). Nimbalkar departed from Pune for Dharashiv amid heavy police deployment outside his Baner residence, escorted with 'Y-Plus' security, as reported by news agency PTI.
Security for Rebel MPs Amid Defection Fears
Police have provided 'Y-Plus' security cover to six 'rebel' Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha MPs in Maharashtra with immediate effect, following threats from party leaders and workers over alleged plans to switch sides. The six MPs—Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar, and Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar—had skipped the Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on Wednesday, sparking speculation that they might join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The Sena (UBT) currently has nine Lok Sabha members. Under the anti-defection law, the dissident group would require the support of at least six MPs—two-thirds of the party’s strength—to avoid disqualification.
Nimbalkar Seeks Constituents' Counsel
Reacting to the stir, Nimbalkar said, “I will hold a meeting today at 4pm with people and party office-bearers at Govardhanwadi in my constituency and clarify my political stand. After speaking with the people, I will clearly explain my future political direction.”
On Saturday, a special court acquitted former NCP minister Padamsinh Patil and seven others in the 2006 murder case of Nimbalkar’s father, Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar. Reacting to the verdict, the MP said, “I will approach the high court seeking justice against the court verdict in my father’s murder case. I will challenge the verdict delivered in my father’s murder case.” He had earlier expressed disappointment, stating, “Good people, who live and behave correctly, face disappointment. This is Kalyug.”
Party Efforts to Retain Dissidents
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLAs Kailas Patil and Varun Sardesai visited Nimbalkar’s Pune residence early Sunday. After the meeting, Kailas Patil said, “We had talks with Omraje. We conveyed to him the message of Uddhav Saheb. We are confident Omraje will stay with us.” Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray extended an olive branch, saying those wishing to return were welcome as party chief Uddhav Thackeray has a large heart, but warned action against those who go against the party. Aaditya noted there had been no contact with Nimbalkar.
Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged that legal and psychological pressure was being exerted to force party MPs to defect, claiming Nimbalkar was offered a favourable outcome in his father’s murder case in exchange for switching sides. Nimbalkar has dismissed the allegation.
Show-Cause Notice and Possible Disqualification
The party issued a show-cause notice to the six MPs on Thursday for skipping the parliamentary party meeting, seeking responses within 24 hours. “We have not received any reply from them (rebel MPs),” MP Arvind Sawant said. Sources indicated the party’s next possible step would be to approach the Lok Sabha Speaker, seeking disqualification of the MPs for “defying the whip.”
