Shiv Sena (UBT) is making efforts to persuade Osmanabad MP Omprakash Rajenimbalkar and Mumbai North-East MP Sanjay Dina Patil to stay with the party. Both were among six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who skipped a parliamentary meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. The other absentees included Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Deshmukh, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, and Sanjay Jadhav.
Anti-Defection Law Implications
Under the Anti-Defection Law, if less than two-thirds of a party's MPs or MLAs defect, they risk disqualification. Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine MPs. To avoid disqualification, any rebel group would need to defect with at least six MPs.
Party's Response
Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut stated that the party will pursue legal action against the rebels. He claimed that Rajenimbalkar and Patil were not in Delhi and had not yet decided to leave the party.
According to Shiv Sena (UBT) functionaries, attempts are being made to convince some rebel MPs to change their minds, with focus on Rajenimbalkar and Sanjay Dina Patil. The party has tasked MLCs Sachin Ahir and Ambadas Danve with this effort.
Speaking to TOI, Danve confirmed attempts to contact the rebel group. He said, "Not all six MPs are being opportunistic about switching parties for personal gain. Mahayuti is compelling some to switch even if they are not mentally ready. We are trying to reach out to those MPs to convince them to remain with the party."
Efforts to Retain Rajenimbalkar
Close associates of Rajenimbalkar revealed that he has been camping in Pune for the last few days. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA from Osmanabad, Kailas Patil, a close associate of Rajenimbalkar, traveled to Pune to convince the MP to stay. "Our party chief told me to speak to Rajenimbalkar and convince him. I hope that the speculations about him leaving the party remain rumors," Patil said.
