The Shiv Sena (UBT) is still hopeful that Osmanabad (Dharashiv) MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar will not leave the party despite growing speculation over a possible split among its Lok Sabha members, party sources told PTI.
The development comes amid uncertainty within the Uddhav Thackeray-led party after six MPs skipped a parliamentary party meeting in New Delhi earlier this week, fuelling speculation that they could join the rival Shiv Sena faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
Nimbalkar Yet to Clarify Political Future
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Nimbalkar said he would decide his political future after consulting the people of his constituency.
"Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar is on his way back (from the rebel camp)," a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader told PTI on condition of anonymity, even as the MP is yet to publicly clarify his stand.
Nimbalkar also reiterated his respect for the party leadership.
"I have never spoken against Uddhav Thackeray or Aaditya Thackeray, and I will not do so in future either," he said.
Reacting to the verdict in his father's murder case, he added, "Good people, who live and behave correctly, face disappointment. This is Kalyug."
Six MPs Yet to Reply to Party Notices
The crisis began after MPs Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Sanjay Jadhav, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Nimbalkar failed to attend the Shiv Sena (UBT) parliamentary party meeting in Delhi on June 17.
The party subsequently issued show-cause notices to the six MPs on June 18 and sought their replies within 24 hours.
According to Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Arvind Sawant, none of the dissident lawmakers has responded so far.
"We have not received any reply from them (rebel MPs)," Sawant told PTI.
The absence of any response has intensified speculation about the future of the group and its relationship with the party leadership.
Numbers Crucial Under Anti-Defection Law
The Shiv Sena (UBT) currently has nine Lok Sabha MPs. Under the anti-defection law, a faction requires the support of at least two-thirds of the parliamentary party to avoid disqualification.
With six MPs needed to meet that threshold, political observers are closely watching developments as the dissident group holds the numbers required for a potential split.
Sources told PTI the party's next possible step could be approaching the Lok Sabha Speaker and seeking the disqualification of the MPs for allegedly defying the party whip.
Murder Case Verdict Adds Political Undertones
The political developments have unfolded alongside the verdict in the 2006 murder case of Nimbalkar's father, former Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar.
On Saturday, a special court acquitted former Nationalist Congress Party minister Padamsinh Patil and seven others in the case.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Anil Desai said those waiting for justice for two decades would now understand "who is on their side and who is bogus".
The verdict has also become part of the wider political debate surrounding the alleged attempts to encourage defections from the party.
Aaditya Thackeray Extends Olive Branch
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray struck a conciliatory tone, saying MPs who wish to return to the party would be welcomed back.
He said those who wanted to return were welcome because party chief Uddhav Thackeray has a large heart. At the same time, he warned that action would be taken against anyone acting against the party's interests.
Responding to questions from reporters, Aaditya Thackeray said there had been no contact with Nimbalkar.
Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut alleged that legal and psychological pressure was being used to persuade party MPs to switch sides. He also claimed that Nimbalkar had been offered a favourable outcome in the long-pending murder case if he changed his political allegiance.
Nimbalkar, however, rejected the allegation.
Party Awaits Next Move
With none of the six MPs responding to the show-cause notices and speculation continuing over their political future, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leadership is closely monitoring the situation.
Nimbalkar's expected decision within the next two days is likely to be significant for both the party and the dissident group. His stand could influence the future course of the ongoing political developments and determine whether the rebellion gathers momentum or begins to lose strength.
(With inputs from PTI)
* This article was originally published here
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