Osmanabad MP Nimbalkar crosses over to Shinde-led Shiv Sena in another UBT setback

Dissident Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar has announced his crossover to the Shiv Sena faction led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, marking another setback for the Uddhav Thackeray camp.

According to PTI, Nimbalkar, who represents the Osmanabad Lok Sabha constituency, declared his decision to align with the Shinde-led group, effectively ending his association with the Shiv Sena (UBT).

Also Read: Uddhav camp MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar confirms crossover to ruling Sena


Nimbalkar is a politician from Dharashiv district in the Marathwada region and is currently a member of the 17th Lok Sabha from Osmanabad.

The move is seen as part of the continuing political churn within the Shiv Sena, which split into rival factions following the 2022 rebellion led by Shinde.

The crossover of Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs to the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena has gathered pace in recent weeks amid intensifying political uncertainty within the Uddhav Thackeray camp. On Sunday, Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil Ashtikar confirmed his decision to join the ruling faction, citing constituency development concerns and internal tensions.

His move comes after months of speculation around “Operation Tiger”, under which several UBT MPs have been in contact with the Shinde camp.

The developments follow a broader pattern of instability within the Shiv Sena (UBT) Lok Sabha group, with multiple MPs skipping key party meetings and facing disciplinary action for alleged violation of party directives.

Also Read: Sena headed by me is the only Shiv Sena: Uddhav Thackeray

The Thackeray-led faction has been battling repeated signs of fragmentation since the 2022 split in the Shiv Sena, with the Shinde camp continuing to position itself as the “real” Shiv Sena and steadily consolidating parliamentary strength through targeted inductions.