3 min readMumbaiJun 21, 2026 08:09 PM IST
First published on: Jun 21, 2026 at 03:23 PM IST
In a first such public confirmation by a rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, Nagesh Ashtikar Saturday said that he is joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, saying the decision was driven by the need to secure funds and complete development works in his constituency rather than any angst towards Uddhav Thackeray.
Ashtikar, one of the six Sena UBT MPs at the centre of the rebellion, said several development works in his constituency had remained stalled. “Funds were not being received, and development works were not moving. For the work of the people, going with the ruling side has become necessary,” Ashtikar added.
Seeking to defend his move amid criticism from the Uddhav Thackeray camp, Ashtikar insisted his decision had nothing to do with ideology and said he was not leaving Shiv Sena’s core political identity. “I have not abandoned the ideology. I am going from Sena to Sena, not anywhere else,” he said, becoming the first among the six rebel MPs to openly confirm his move to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena after days of speculation.
Ashtikar also sought to soften the political blow to the Uddhav Thackeray camp, saying his decision should not be seen as a fallout with the party leadership. “I am not upset with Uddhav saheb, but without power, work of the people was not happening,” he said, while also adding that (party MP) Sanjay Raut was like a father figure to him and was not upset with his decision.
The statement assumes significance as none of the six rebel MPs had so far publicly confirmed the rebellion despite triggering one of the biggest political crises for the Sena UBT since the 2022 split.
The development is also expected to increase pressure on Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar, whose stand remains crucial as the rebel camp needs his support to reach the six-MP two-thirds mark required for the next legal process before the Lok Sabha Speaker.
In another development, Rajool Patil, daughter of another Sena (UBT) rebel MP Sanjay Dina Patil, visited Matoshree on Sunday and met Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, later publicly asserting that her father remained with the party. “I came to present my side before Uddhav ji and I told him that I am with Shiv Sena (UBT),” Rajool said after the meeting.
Later, in a post on X, Rajool said, “After meeting Uddhavji Thackeray and Aadityaji Thackeray, I have clarified my political stand. Giving priority to the expectations of people who trusted me, I will remain committed through Shiv Sena (UBT) to work for people’s issues and development works.”
Meanwhile, Sanjay Raut maintained that despite the rebellion buzz, all six MPs continue to remain technically with Sena (UBT), pointing out that there has been no order yet from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and no official announcement from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena regarding their entry. “The six MPs have not said they have quit Shiv Sena (UBT). They skipped the party meeting and violated the whip, but legally they are still with us,” he said.
File photo of Uddhav Thackeray. 
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