Rebel Shiv Sena MP to switch sides for justice in father's murder case

Omraje Nimbalkar, a Lok Sabha member from Maharashtra's Dharashiv constituency, announced his intention to switch allegiance from the Shiv Sena (UBT) to the ruling alliance. Nimbalkar, who is seeking justice for his father Pawanraje Nimbalkar's murder in 2006, stated that his current political affiliation weakens his pursuit of justice. He cited the alleged support the accused, including former NCP minister Padmasingh Patil, receive from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as a major obstacle.

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I joined politics 20 years ago to fight against those who killed my father. Now it is becoming difficult to fight alone. The ruling side blocked me at every level in the constituency.

Nimbalkar explained that he entered politics two decades ago with the sole aim of bringing his father's killers to justice. He feels that his opposition stance has led to him being "blocked at every level" in his constituency. "The ruling side blocked me at every level in the constituency," he said, adding that he has "no option but to switch sides for political survival and continue my fight against that political family."

The MP acknowledged that his move might lead people to call him a traitor. However, he emphasized that he prioritizes "responsibility over loyalty." He clarified that his decision is not motivated by a desire for money or power, pointing out that he could have joined Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena faction in 2022 if he were driven by greed. Instead, he feels compelled to switch to remain "politically relevant" and continue his long-standing feud.

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So I have no option but to switch sides for political survival and continue my fight against that political family.

Nimbalkar is awaiting a trial court verdict on June 20 in his father's murder case, a verdict that has been postponed twice. Following the verdict, he plans to tour his district to meet supporters and formally announce his decision. His father, a Congress leader, and his driver were murdered in 2006 while traveling from Pune to Mumbai. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut commented that Nimbalkar was allegedly promised a favorable verdict against the nine accused.

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I am not going for any greed but out of compulsion to be politically relevant in Dharashiv district and continue my fight against that family even after joining the ruling alliance.