Rebel Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar to join Shinde-led Shiv Sena

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar arrives in Mumbai on Saturday, June 20, 2026, during a hearing in the murder case of his father and state Congress leader Pawanraj Nimbalkar and his driver. Photo credit: PTI

In a setback for the Shiv Sena (UBT), party MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, one of the six dissidents, on Sunday said he would join the Shiv Sena, which is headed by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Mr. Nimbalkar arrived in Dharashiv from Pune in the afternoon and interacted with his supporters. He cited the defeat of the Sena (UBT) in the local body elections and his inability to do much for the people due to being in the opposition.

“We lost because we were not in power. Not being part of the government, I could not do much for the people in the last two years. Due to these factors, I decided to join the Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. He stood with us. I associated with Shinde and CM Fadnavis.” Mr Nimbalkar also referred to the acquittal of former state home minister Padamsinh Patil in the murder case of his father Pawanraj Nimbalkar.

“They (Mr Shinde and Mr Fadnavis) made me speak to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. I asked him to do justice for us. Later, Shinde also said that the CBI would file an appeal. We don’t want favours, but I demanded that the verdict be based on merit,” he told reporters.

Published – 21 Jun 2026 21:30 IST