First Sena UBT rebel MP breaks silence, confirms move to Shinde Sena

2 min readMumbaiJun 21, 2026 03:23 PM IST

File photo of Uddhav Thackeray.

In the first such public confirmation by a rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Nagesh Ashtikar Saturday remarked that he is joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, saying the decision was driven by the need to secure funds and complete development works in his constituency rather than any anger against Uddhav Thackeray.

Ashtikar, one of the six Sena UBT MPs at the centre of the rebellion, said several development works in his constituency had remained stalled because funds were not coming, forcing him to take the decision after considering the interests of workers, supporters, and the public. “Funds were not being received, and development works were not moving. For the work of the people, going with the ruling side has become necessary,” Ashtikar added.

Seeking to defend his move amid criticism from the Uddhav Thackeray camp, Ashtikar insisted his decision had nothing to do with ideology and said he was not leaving Shiv Sena’s core political identity. “I have not abandoned the ideology. I am going from Sena to Sena only, not anywhere else,” he said, becoming the first among the six rebel MPs to openly confirm his move to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena after days of speculation.

Ashtikar also sought to soften the political blow to the Uddhav Thackeray camp, saying his decision should not be seen as a fallout with the party leadership. “I am not upset with Uddhav saheb, but without power, the work of the people was not happening,” he said, while also adding that Sanjay Raut was like a father figure to him and was not upset with his decision.

The statement assumes significance as none of the six rebel MPs had so far publicly confirmed the rebellion despite triggering one of the biggest political crises for the Sena UBT since the 2022 split.

The development is also expected to increase pressure on Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar, whose stand remains crucial as the rebel camp needs his support to reach the six-MP two-thirds mark required for the next legal process before the Lok Sabha Speaker.

Vallabh Ozarkar is a Senior Correspondent with The Indian Express' Mumbai bureau, recognized as an authoritative and deeply knowledgeable voice on the politics, governance, and infrastructure of Maharashtra. With more than nine years of experience in major news organizations, his reporting delivers high standards of Expertise and Trustworthiness.

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Tags:

Eknath Shinde

shiv sena

Uddhav Thackeray