Public Spat Erupts in Shiv Sena (UBT) Over Alleged Defections
A heated public confrontation has erupted between Krushna Patil, the son of rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashitikar, and Sushama Andhare, the deputy leader of the Uddhav Thackeray faction. The dispute stems from tensions surrounding ‘Operation Tiger’, a purported campaign to poach opposition legislators. Krushna Patil, who is the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA)-backed candidate for the Nanded MLC bypoll, has publicly distanced himself from his father, who is allegedly among the MPs being targeted for defection.
Krushna Patil Distances Himself from Father
Krushna Patil stated, “I am not in touch with my father,” while claiming ignorance about Ashitikar’s future political moves. He reiterated his unwavering loyalty to Uddhav Thackeray, seeking to separate his political identity from his father’s actions. This statement came amid growing speculation that Nagesh Patil Ashitikar might join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) or the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction.
Sushama Andhare Demands Symbolic Last Rites
Reacting sharply to Patil’s remarks, Sushama Andhare questioned his stance and demanded that he perform the symbolic last rites of his father to prove his loyalty. “Why is he trying to be smart? He is like his father only,” Andhare told reporters in Mumbai on Friday, implying that Krushna Patil’s actions were not credible. Her comments escalated the internal conflict within the party, exposing deep fissures over the defection issue.
Patil Fires Back, Calls Andhare ‘Mentally Imbalanced’
Hitting back, Krushna Patil termed Andhare “mentally imbalanced” and threatened retaliation. “If I rake up Andhare’s past, she would be in big trouble. I request her not to stoop too low. Otherwise, I too can retaliate,” he told reporters in Nanded on Saturday. He also criticized Andhare for targeting him during the MLC election campaign, noting that while the local Congress unit had issued a whip to support him, Andhare and others were speaking against him.
Parallels Drawn to Kirtikar Family Split
Drawing parallels within Maharashtra politics, Patil cited the example of Gajanan Kirtikar and his son Amol Kirtikar, who ended up on opposite sides after the Shiv Sena split in 2022. This comparison highlighted the ongoing realignments in state politics, where family members have taken divergent political paths. Patil contested the Nanded local authorities’ constituency poll against Amar Rajurkar of the BJP as the MVA-sponsored candidate, making the bypoll a test of strength for the opposition alliance.
Impact on MLC Byelection and Party Unity
The public feud has implications for the Nanded MLC bypoll, scheduled for later this month. The MVA, comprising Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (UBT), is banking on a united front to counter the ruling BJP-Shinde alliance. However, internal dissent, as seen in this spat, could undermine the opposition’s campaign. Andhare’s remarks also reflect the party leadership’s anxiety over potential defections, with ‘Operation Tiger’ allegedly targeting up to 10 MPs from the opposition.
According to sources, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has been on high alert after several of its legislators were reportedly approached by the ruling coalition. Krushna Patil’s decision to contest against the BJP candidate, despite his father’s alleged leanings, is seen as an attempt to reaffirm his commitment to the party. However, Andhare’s demand for a public display of loyalty underscores the deep mistrust within the ranks.
