Shiv Sena (UBT) Hopes Rebel MP Nimbalkar Will Stay After Skipping Meeting

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) faction is expressing cautious optimism that rebel MP Sanjay Nimbalkar may not defect to the rival camp led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, despite his absence from a crucial party meeting last month.

Nimbalkar was among six Lok Sabha MPs who did not attend a meeting convened by party chief Uddhav Thackeray on June 17. The meeting was called to discuss the party's strategy ahead of the upcoming winter session of Parliament and to reaffirm unity within the ranks. The absence raised speculation about Nimbalkar's loyalty, especially amid a series of defections by Shiv Sena legislators to the Shinde-led faction since the split in June 2022.

However, party insiders say Nimbalkar has been in touch with senior leaders and has not indicated any intention to leave. A senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, 'He may be on his way back. We are hopeful he will remain with the party.' The leader added that Nimbalkar's absence might have been due to personal reasons or prior commitments, and not a sign of discontent.

Political analysts note that the Shinde faction has been actively wooing disgruntled MPs from the Thackeray camp, aiming to strengthen its numbers in the Lok Sabha. The ruling alliance currently enjoys a comfortable majority, but any defection would further consolidate its position. Nimbalkar, who represents the Madha constituency in Maharashtra, has not publicly commented on the speculation.

The Shiv Sena (UBT) has been grappling with a series of defections since the party split, with several MLAs and MPs switching allegiance to the Shinde faction. The split occurred after a rebellion led by Shinde, which led to the collapse of the Maha Vikas Aghadi government and the formation of a new coalition with the Bharatiya Janata Party. The Thackeray faction has been fighting legal battles to retain control of the party's symbol and name, but the Election Commission has recognized the Shinde faction as the legitimate Shiv Sena.

Despite the challenges, the Thackeray camp remains confident that its core support base among voters remains intact. Party workers are optimistic that Nimbalkar, a veteran politician known for his grassroots connect, will not abandon the party at a critical juncture.

The developments are being closely watched as both factions prepare for the upcoming elections in Maharashtra. The Thackeray faction hopes to stem the tide of defections and rebuild its organizational strength.