In what could be a major relief for Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Dharashiv MP Omprakash Raje Nimbalkar, one of the six dissident MPs, could return to the party, just days after the MPs reportedly formed a separate bloc, prior to joining the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
However, the equations have changed with the Thackeray camp now expressing hope that Nimbalkar could be on his way back from the rebel camp, though the MP himself is yet to spell out his stand.
The sudden change in his stance has been attributed to a crucial phone call between Uddhav Thackeray and Nimbalkar on Saturday, according to local media reports. Some also attribute the court verdict, which acquitted the accused in the murder case of his father, Pawanraje Nimbalkar, to also prove instrumental in Nimbalkar’s decision to return to Thackeray.
According to media reports, Nimbalkar got a call from Uddhav Thackeray, who decided to speak to Nimbalkar himself to understand the MP’s exact position. Sources informed that during this conversation, Uddhav Thackeray tried to find out if Omraje had any resentment towards the party or at the local level.
Nimbalkar reportedly told Uddhav that he was still with the Thackeray group. “I am with the party and have not taken any other decision at present. Whatever I am today, having contested the first election and becoming an MLA and now being an MP three times, is only because of the party and you,” he said.
Interestingly, before the crucial call, Thackeray group MPs Kailas Patil and Varun Sardesai went to Nimbalkar's house in Pune and held hours-long discussions with him.
While interacting with the media before leaving Pune for Dharashiv, Nimbalkar told reporters that his decision could be made soon. "I am going to Dharashiv today. I have called the workers at Govardhanwadi. I will have a detailed discussion with the workers at 4 pm and take the next decision. The issue of rebellion is coming up; I will also talk to the workers about that. I will not take a unilateral decision," he added.
Another factor that could influence his future plans is the court verdict in the murder case of his father. The court had acquitted all the accused, and speculations are that his decision to switch sides was to get a favourable verdict.
“The pain we suffered for 20 years, we are experiencing it again today. I feel sad that the court has accepted that the intention to kill was there, political enmity has been proven; then the question arises, who did the killing?” He announced that he would approach the High Court against this verdict, respecting the court’s decision.
