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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray....

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray. They are Krishna Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Rajool Sanjay Patil and both are emerging politicians in their own right and with politically bright prospects. Rajool is a SS (UBT) Municipal Corporator from Ward No. 114 (Bhandup) in her father’ constituency, and Krishna is the official Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the Nanded Local Authorities constituency in the Maharashtra Legislature’s upper house. However, the abrupt rebellion by their fathers - along with four other SS (UBT) MPs has raised question marks on their own loyalties and political moorings – with the MLCs election results scheduled on Monday. A Deputy Leader from Pune guardedly said that “the same norms under the anti-defection laws for parliament would apply” at all levels, preventing the duo (Krishna and Rajool) from following in their fathers’ footsteps. “After all, there are many examples where in the same family, different members owe allegiance to different political parties. They may have made their personal political calculations and survival before taking any plunge blindly in the name of ideology,” the leader told ‘The Perfect Voice’, requesting anonymity. A Mumbai leader averred that in case the political sand slips - for whatever reasons - in the ongoing defection drama, at least all in the family may not have to pay the price for a botch-up, as “these youngsters still have a long road ahead in politics”. On June 18, when Ashtikar’s name came among the six potential turncoats, Krishna faced an embarrassing situation as the MLC polling was underway that day. Krishna quickly mouthed bites to proclaim his allegiance to Thackeray and an equally bewildered Rajool - elected as a BMC corporator just six months ago - instantly declared her support to SS (UBT) and even joined a protest against her father’s decision. Both the youngsters confronting a peculiar family-cum-political divide put up brave faces and publicly claimed that they had “absolutely no inkling” of the political coup currently underway and are firmly with Thackeray. For the present, however, the SS (UBT) camp is somewhat relieved that the damage caused by the proposed exit of the 6 MPs has not percolated to their family members, affording it time to take some proactive measures to prevent a similar scenario in the coming times. SS (UBT) Deputy Leader dares MP’s son A skeptical SS (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare and others immediately pounced on Krishna Ashtikar, questioning the credibility of his words after his father and party MP from Hingoli Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar’s plans to switch sides. “Go and perform your father’s funeral rituals (pind-daan) immediately to prove your claims that you are different from your father…” a livid Andhare dared Krishna, who retorted by saying that he is “answerable only to the SS (UBT) supremo and none else”.

Above Glam Quotient

Pranati Shinde

Solapur MP Pranati Shinde proved that she is about some realpolitik when she declared open support to an independent candidate in the Solapur South assembly constituency after the polling began today. While the MVA constituent Shiv Sena (UBT) had fielded Amar Patil from the seat, Shinde lent support to independent candidate Dharmaraj Kadadi causing panic in the ally Shiv Sena (UBT) camp.


Born on December 9, 1980, in Solapur, Maharashtra, Praniti is the daughter of veteran Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde. Praniti has carved out her own political path, distinct from her father’s legacy.


Praniti’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and a law degree from Government Law College, Mumbai.


Her early exposure to politics and social work, coupled with her academic achievements, laid a strong foundation for her political career. She began her political career at the age of 29, when she was elected as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Solapur City Central constituency in 2009. Her oratory and interpersonal skills while dealing with party workers helped her sail through the Modi wave and she reached Maharashtra assembly in 204 as well as 2019 from the constituency.


Praniti’s political acumen and dedication were further recognized when she was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Solapur Lok Sabha constituency in 2024. This victory marked a significant milestone in her career, as she became the first woman MP from Solapur. Her election campaign was noted for its emphasis on grassroots engagement and addressing local issues, which resonated with the electorate.


The fact that she was an MLA for 15 years demonstrates her consistent popularity and effectiveness as a legislator. During her tenure, she focused on issues such as women’s empowerment, education, and social justice, leveraging her platform to advocate for the underprivileged. In 2021, Praniti was appointed as the Working President of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee, a role that significantly elevated her profile within the party. She also served as the Chairperson of the Scheduled Castes Welfare Committee of the Maharashtra Legislature, where she worked tirelessly to address the concerns of marginalized communities.


Initially, when she was given responsibility of the youth wing of the party, it wasn’t taken seriously and brushed off as an additional of some glam quotient in the youth wing. However, the way she criticized and took on the opposition, her detractors soon realized that she is not just about glam quotient by is about some realpolitik.

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