Shiv Sena (UBT) has expelled Krushna Patil Ashtikar, the son of rebel Lok Sabha MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, for engaging in anti-party activities, according to party leader Sanjay Raut. The announcement was made on Monday as the party continues to grapple with a rebellion by six of its Lok Sabha members.
Expulsion Announced by Sanjay Raut
In a post on X, Raut stated that party chief Uddhav Thackeray had taken the decision to remove Krushna Nagesh Patil Ashtikar from the Shiv Sena (UBT). Krushna had been the party's candidate from the Nanded local bodies constituency in the Maharashtra legislative council polls held the previous week.
Raut's post read: "Krushna Nagesh Patil (Ashtikar) has been expelled from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) for anti-party activities."
Rebel MP's Stance
Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, the MP from Hingoli, is one of the six parliamentarians who have rebelled against the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. On Sunday, he stated that he and the other members had "not gone anywhere" until June 18, but changed their minds after certain remarks were made against them, an apparent reference to comments by Sanjay Raut.
Speaking publicly for the first time since rumors about 'Operation Tiger' emerged, Ashtikar confirmed that he has crossed over to the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. In a video clip posted on social media, he asserted that he had not compromised his ideology and had simply moved "from one Shiv Sena to another."
Allegations of Neglect
Ashtikar also claimed that despite his best efforts over the past two years, he had failed to secure funds for his Lok Sabha constituency. This appears to be a key grievance behind his decision to switch allegiance.
Background of the Rebellion
The rebellion by six Lok Sabha MPs poses a significant challenge to the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT), which is already struggling to maintain its political footing after a split in 2022. The expulsions and defections highlight the intensifying factional strife within the Shiv Sena, as the Shinde-led faction continues to attract members from the Thackeray camp.
