Two rebel Shiv Sena MPs have formally announced their decision to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, dealing a significant blow to the Uddhav Thackeray-headed party.
The MPs, Omraje Nimbalkar and Nagesh Ashtikar, made their announcements on Sunday, citing political survival and constituency-related issues as their reasons for defecting.
Nimbalkar's decision comes days after his father's murder case verdict, while Ashtikar cited a lack of funds and approval for development work in his constituency as his reasons for joining Shinde's faction.
The defections are likely to pave the way for four more MPs to join Shinde's faction, further weakening Thackeray's hold on the party.
