Big jolt to Thackeray: Sena (UBT) MP joins Shinde, Mahayuti calls 'operation' a success

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omraje Nimbalkar (L) has officially joined Eknath Shinde's (R) faction, confirming the success of 'Operation Tiger'.

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Virtually confirming the success of 'Operation Tiger', Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar on Sunday announced that he was quitting the party and aligning with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena.CM Devendra Fadnavis called the operation a success. Shinde said he never leaves an operation incomplete. Since the rebellion early last week, Nimbalkar had been saying he would announce his decision "in a few days". The Sena (UBT) camp had made last-minute attempts to retain him, with MLAs Varun Sardesai and Kailas Patil reaching out late on Saturday. His exit is crucial as it strengthens the group of rebel MPs whose numbers are key to crossing the two-thirds threshold required to avoid disqualification under anti-defection laws."I have been in politics since 2006 and people know me well as I work for the cause of the common person. I don't hanker for any post or a party," said Nimbalkar after a closed-door meeting with supporters in his constituency. He pointed to recent defeats in local self-governing body polls in Dharashiv to explain his switchover, highlighting the disadvantage of being out of govt. "My party workers and I work round the clock and people are witness to it.

We were not short of any efforts, but lost against power."He said Fadnavis and Shinde facilitated his discussions with Union home minister Amit Shah over his demand for a CBI appeal in the acquittal of former state home minister Padamsinh Patil of NCP and seven others for 2006 murder of his father, Pavanraje Nimbalkar. He said his move would not dilute his stand against Patil, his uncle. Nimbalkar struck a conciliatory tone while referring to the Thackeray family, saying he continues to have respect for them and neither he nor his supporters would resort to personal attacks. In Mumbai, Fadnavis said those who follow Balasaheb Thackeray's ideology have joined Shinde.