 intensified after rebel MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar officially confirmed his decision to join){kind=link}
The political future of six dissident Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs remains uncertain as Nagesh Patil Ashtikar confirms his switch to Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena
June 21, 2026: Political tensions within Shiv Sena (UBT) intensified after rebel MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar officially confirmed his decision to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. The move comes amid speculation over the future of six dissident MPs who skipped the party’s parliamentary meeting in Delhi. Dharashiv MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar said he would announce his stand after consulting supporters and party workers in his constituency, with a collective announcement from the rebel group expected soon.
Explaining his decision, Ashtikar said a lack of development funds for his constituency and remarks made against dissident MPs pushed him towards the Shinde camp. He maintained that he had not abandoned Shiv Sena’s ideology, stating that he had merely moved “from Shiv Sena to Shiv Sena.” The Hingoli MP argued that remaining in the opposition was hampering development work and affecting the expectations of voters who elected him.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut claimed some rebel MPs remain in contact with the party and are concerned about public resentment in their constituencies. The party has issued fresh show-cause notices to the six MPs, warning that failure to respond within 24 hours could be treated as voluntarily giving up party membership, potentially triggering action under the anti-defection law. The developments have further escalated the battle for control and legitimacy within the Shiv Sena movement.