As Sena camps battle, Operation Tiger hinges on MP Omraje Nimbalkar

It has been learnt that Sena (UBT) is also trying to facilitate a direct conversation between Nimbalkar and Uddhav Thackeray. Patil said that efforts were continuing to convince Nimbalkar.

Later in the day, party sources said Uddhav Thackeray also directly spoke to Omraje Nimbalkar on the phone and sought to understand his stand amid the ongoing political developments. Sources said Nimbalkar told Thackeray that he has not yet taken any final decision and that his political rise had happened because of the party and Uddhav Thackeray’s support and that he will soon convey his stand.

Nimbalkar has emerged as the single-most crucial figure in the rebellion, with his decision likely to decide whether ‘Operation Tiger’ succeeds or collapses at the final stage. Of Sena UBT’s nine Lok Sabha MPs, five MPs are learnt to have already backed the rebel camp while three MPs remain with Uddhav Thackeray.

Congress leader Gopal Tiwari said if Uddhav Thackeray succeeds in changing the mind of Nimbalkar, then Shiv Sena’s ‘Operation Tiger’ will fail. “To defect, there should be six MPs. If there is even one less, then the anti-defection law applies, and then MPs stand disqualified if they change parties. If Uddhav Thackeray continues his efforts, there is no reason why Omraje would not change his mind,” Tiwari remarked.

2006 murder case
The battle over Nimbalkar has intensified further after Saturday’s acquittal verdict of all accused in the 2006 murder of Nimbalkar’s father. Shortly after the verdict, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde held discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, following which it was announced that the CBI would challenge the acquittal order before a higher court.

Sena UBT leaders privately confided that the development has assumed significance given the ongoing political battle around Nimbalkar and the timing of the decision.

Meanwhile, speaking to The Indian Express, Nimbalkar vented his frustration and helplessness. “I feel like giving up politics. If I cannot secure justice for my father even after 20 years, what is the point of continuing in politics?” he said.

Aaditya Thackeray’s warning
Sena UBT leader Aaditya Thackeray said the party leadership was willing to welcome back leaders who wished to return, but warned action against those working against the party.

“Uddhav saheb has a large heart. Whoever wants to return is welcome. But those who go against the party will face action,” Aaditya Thackeray said.

Senior leaders in the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, however, said they remain confident that Nimbalkar will join their camp despite Sena UBT’s efforts to persuade him otherwise.

Reacting to the development, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sanjay Shirsat said, “Uddhav Thackeray is in the habit of acting at the last minute. When we left the party and went to Guwahati, he had made efforts to get in touch with us… but it was too late.”

Sources familiar with the developments said Nimbalkar is currently under intense pressure and remains deeply conflicted as both camps continue parallel efforts to secure the MP’s support.

Later in the day, Nimbalkar also held discussions with his supporters in his constituency and is learnt to have indicated that he will announce his final decision on Monday after completing consultations. The latest development has prolonged uncertainty around Nimbalkar, whose decision remains crucial as the rebel camp is still short of the six MPs required to cross the two-thirds mark in the ongoing Operation Tiger.