Sena UBT MP Nimbalkar Joins Shinde Camp; Thackeray Hits Back
Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) MP, defected to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on June 21, 2026, prompting Uddhav Thackeray to call him a 'traitor'
June 22, 2026
1 min read
12 views
Source: hindustantimes.com
Image: hindustantimes.com
In a significant political development, Shiv Sena (UBT) Member of Parliament Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar defected to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The move deepened the ongoing crisis within the Uddhav Thackeray faction of the Shiv Sena.
Reacting to the defection, Uddhav Thackeray publicly branded Nimbalkar and other rebel MPs as 'traitors'. He also launched an outreach drive aimed at containing the growing dissent within his party, according to reports from Indian media outlets on June 22, 2026.
Nimbalkar's switch is seen as a major boost for Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's camp, which has been consolidating its position ahead of upcoming elections. The exact number of MPs who have joined Shinde's faction remains unclear, but the defection underscores the persistent factional tensions within the Shiv Sena.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar?
Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar is a Member of Parliament who was previously with the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction led by Uddhav Thackeray. He defected to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on June 21, 2026.
Why did Uddhav Thackeray call him a 'traitor'?
Uddhav Thackeray called Nimbalkar a 'traitor' because he defected from the Shiv Sena (UBT) to the rival faction led by Eknath Shinde, deepening the crisis within Thackeray's party.
What impact does this defection have on Maharashtra politics?
This defection strengthens Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's faction and highlights ongoing factional tensions within the Shiv Sena, potentially affecting the balance of power ahead of upcoming elections.
