Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar on Sunday confirmed that he has crossed over to the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, citing a lack of development funds for his constituency and caustic remarks by party leaders as key reasons for his defection.
Ashtikar's Statement on Defection
In a video clip posted on his social media handle, Ashtikar said he and other members had not made any decision until June 18, but changed their mind after certain remarks were made against them, an apparent reference to party leader Sanjay Raut. He clarified that he has not compromised on his ideology and “has just gone from one Shiv Sena to another.”
“I, and some other MPs (of Sena-UBT), had not made any decision until June 18. We had not gone anywhere. However, certain remarks were made against us since Thursday, which made us believe that there is no point in staying here (Sena-UBT),” he said.
Fund Crunch and Constituency Needs
Ashtikar highlighted the disadvantages of being in opposition, such as the inability to get party activists’ work done and the lack of development funds. He claimed that despite his best efforts in the last two years, he failed to get funds for his Lok Sabha constituency.
“The work of party workers is not being done as we are not on the side of power. People elected us with a lot of expectation, and getting their work done is my job. But I was not getting any development funds. The Rs 5 crore MPLAD fund is very limited. Considering these factors, I have taken this decision,” Ashtikar said.
Reaction to Sanjay Raut's Remarks
Ashtikar did not name Sanjay Raut but referred to the latter’s use of cuss words against dissident MPs during a press conference. Raut had issued a threat suggesting that rebel MPs would be thrashed by angry Shiv Sena workers through ‘Operation Tudwa’.
“Though he is a fatherly figure and can reprimand, he should understand that everyone has the capacity to reply in kind. Such incidents can take place once in a while. Even he (Raut) knows the after-effects,” Ashtikar added.
Defection and Anti-Defection Law
Ashtikar is one of six Lok Sabha members from the Shiv Sena (UBT) who skipped the party’s parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17, fuelling speculation of their crossover to the Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has nine Lok Sabha members. Under the anti-defection law, at least six members need to defect to avoid disqualification.
“I have not gone anywhere. I just moved from the Shiv Sena to Shiv Sena. People can express their anger, but simultaneously, they should mind their language. I will not push anyone to come with me. But I will stand with them,” Ashtikar concluded.
