Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar confirms crossover to ruling Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar has defected to the ruling Shiv Sena faction led by Eknath Shinde. He cited a lack of development funds and frustration with party leadership rhetoric as the primary reasons for his departure.
Why it matters
This defection highlights ongoing political instability and factionalism within Maharashtra's political landscape, impacting legislative power dynamics.
Rebel Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray or UBT) MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar on Sunday (June 21, 2026) claimed that he and other members of the party had "not gone anywhere" until June 18, but changed their mind after certain remarks were made against them, in an apparent reference to party leader Sanjay Raut.
The article reports on the defection by presenting the MP's stated reasons alongside the context of the political rivalry without taking a side.
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