Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Anger among Shiv Sena (UBT) cadre boiled over across Marathwada on Thursday, with party workers staging protests, burning effigies and demanding the resignation of six of the party’s nine Lok Sabha MPs who skipped a crucial meeting called by the party leadership in New Delhi.
Protests Erupt Across Districts
Protests erupted in Hingoli, Parbhani, Beed, Dharashiv and other districts, where agitated workers accused the MPs of “backstabbing” not only Uddhav Thackeray but also the voters who elected them. Demonstrators raised slogans, burnt photographs and even took out symbolic funerals of the absent MPs, signalling deep resentment within the rank and file.
Beed and Hingoli Witness Strong Reactions
In Beed, workers gathered at key locations and lashed out at the MPs for ignoring the sentiments of cadre who had campaigned extensively for their victory. Protesters alleged that the politicians who rose on the strength of Shiv Sainiks were now distancing themselves at a critical juncture. Slogans backing Uddhav Thackeray and targeting the absent MPs dominated the protests.
Similar anger was visible in Hingoli, where workers targeted MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar and demanded an explanation for his absence from the Delhi meeting. Protesters said the cadre were entitled to clarity on the political stand of their elected representatives and warned that continued ambiguity on loyalty would not be tolerated.
Dharashiv and Parbhani Join the Outcry
In Dharashiv, party workers burnt effigies of MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar, accusing him of betraying the Thackeray family. Demonstrators said the leadership had stood by him during difficult times and that he now owed clarity on whether he would remain with the party.
Parbhani too witnessed protests, with workers questioning the absence of MP Sanjay, alias Bandu Jadhav, from the meeting. Protesters said the uncertainty surrounding senior functionaries had created confusion and frustration among grassroots Shiv Sainiks.
Speculation of Split Intensifies
The protests follow intense speculation over a possible split within Shiv Sena (UBT), triggered by the absence of several MPs — including three from Marathwada — at the Delhi meeting. Workers across the region demanded that the MPs publicly declare their stand amid fears of defections.
Social Media Amplifies Anger
Social media further amplified the anger, with party supporters sharing old speeches and videos of the MPs for the second consecutive day and urging them to clarify their position. By Thursday evening, the outrage showed no signs of easing, with cadre continuing to rally behind the leadership and pressing for accountability from the absent MPs.
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