In Sena-UBT rebellion, a 2006 assassination is haunting Uddhav Thackeray: The story of rebel Omraje Nimbalkar

A two-decade-old murder case has emerged as a significant factor in the current political turmoil surrounding Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena (UBT) party. The assassination of Pawanraje Nimbalkar in 2006 is now reportedly haunting the former Maharashtra chief minister amidst speculation of a fresh rebellion within his party.

This development comes years after the Shiv Sena, founded by Thackeray's father, split, leaving Uddhav Thackeray out of power. The current murmurs of a crisis are linked to 'Operation Tiger,' an alleged effort by the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena to poach elected representatives from the rival camp. This push gained momentum after Shinde's 2022 alliance with the ruling BJP in Maharashtra.

The first signs of this operation became apparent when several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs missed a crucial meeting called by Thackeray. The situation escalated when six dissident MPs defied the party's whip, refusing to attend a parliamentary party meeting in Delhi. These six MPs are identified as Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Sanjay Dina Patil, and Omraje Nimbalkar.

Omraje Nimbalkar's decision to join the rebels is particularly striking due to its connection with the 2006 political murder of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar. Nimbalkar, a Congress leader at the time, was shot dead along with his driver near Kalamboli while traveling from Pune to Mumbai. The investigation into the double murder has moved through multiple agencies and courts over the years.

Following the MPs' defiance, Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena announced that disciplinary action would be taken. Notices are being issued to the six MPs seeking an explanation for their absence, with legal options to be explored if they fail to respond within seven days. The party is reportedly exploring legal avenues against the dissident MPs.

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We are issuing notices (to all six MPs) seeking an explanation for their absence from today’s meeting. They must respond within seven days, after which we will explore legal options