Two MPs defect from Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena to join Eknath Shinde's faction

Two Members of Parliament from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, led by Uddhav Thackeray, have officially joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, dealing a significant blow to the Thackeray camp. This defection is expected to pave the way for as many as four more MPs to switch allegiance.

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For political survival, we need strength and also need to give strength to party workers. We need the power that the ruling side can afford us. Just support me in my decision...

Omraje Nimbalkar, the MP for Dharashiv, and Hingoli lawmaker Nagesh Ashtikar announced their decisions to join Shinde's party. Nimbalkar's move followed an acquittal in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar, a case that had been a factor in his decision-making. Ashtikar announced his defection via a Facebook Live session.

Nimbalkar expressed displeasure with remarks made against him by Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut and other party leaders. He indicated that while he had no personal issues with Thackeray, political compulsions were driving his decision to consider Shinde's offer. He stated that for political survival and to better serve his constituency, he needed the strength and resources that come with being aligned with the ruling party.

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I am not joining deputy CM Shinde out of greed for power and money but for political survival and constituency-related issues

Ashtikar echoed similar sentiments, explaining that being in the opposition made it difficult to secure funds and approvals for development work in his constituency. "Being in the opposition, we are suffering from a lack of funds and approval for the work we propose," he said. Both MPs emphasized that their decisions were driven by the need for political survival and the ability to address local issues effectively, rather than greed for power or money.

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Being in the opposition, we are suffering from a lack of funds and approval for the work we propose