Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar Says Decision on Joining Shinde Sena in Two Days
Amid speculation that six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs may defect to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar on Saturday said he would decide his political future after consulting his supporters in his constituency.
“I will first go to my constituency and then decide in two days after discussing with my supporters,” Nimbalkar told reporters, stopping short of confirming any move.
His comments came shortly after a special CBI court acquitted eight accused, including former NCP minister Padmasinh Patil, in the 2006 murder case of Nimbalkar’s father, Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar, and his driver.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and chief whip Anil Desai suggested the verdict may have influenced Nimbalkar’s political deliberation. “After the court verdict, who is ours must have been revealed to him. If Omraje Nimbalkar has to return, the decision on it will be taken by Uddhav Thackeray,” Desai said.
Nimbalkar is among six Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who skipped the party’s parliamentary meeting in Delhi earlier this week, fuelling speculation of a potential switch to the rival faction led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The six MPs have not publicly stated their intentions, and the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership has yet to comment on the matter beyond Desai’s remarks. The final decision on Nimbalkar’s political alignment is expected within two days.
