Dharashiv

Amid mounting speculation over a possible rebellion by Lok Sabha MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Shiv Sena (UBT) workers in Maharashtra's Dharashiv district issued sharp warnings against leaders considering leaving the party, saying they would face strong resistance from grassroots supporters.

The remarks come as uncertainty continues to surround the future of several Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, with reports suggesting that a group of legislators may be exploring the option of forming a separate faction.

Speaking to a regional news channel, local party office-bearers and workers expressed anger over the possibility of Nimbalkar switching allegiance. Dharashiv deputy district chief Bandu Adarkar and another party functionary, Suresh Gawai, said such a move would deeply hurt loyal party workers.

Party workers asserted that leaders who leave the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) would face political opposition in the constituency and would not receive support in future elections.

One worker claimed that the party had played a key role in building the political careers of several leaders and said any decision to abandon the organisation would be viewed as a betrayal of the cadre.

Another worker went further, threatening symbolic public humiliation of defectors and warning that those abandoning the party would not be welcomed in Dharashiv.

The comments come against the backdrop of reports that a group of Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders held informal discussions with Om Birla, claiming the support of six of the party's nine Lok Sabha MPs, according to sources.

The party currently has nine MPs in the Lok Sabha. Under anti-defection provisions, at least two-thirds of the parliamentary party would need to support a split for a separate group to be formally recognised.

Among those considered loyal to party chief Uddhav Thackeray are MPs Anil Desai, Arvind Sawant, and Rajabhau Waje.

The remaining MPs whose names have figured in speculation include Sanjay Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar, and Sanjay Jadhav.

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While speculation continues, there has been no official confirmation of any split within the party.