Fresh data from the central government’s MPLADS portal has intensified the political row surrounding six former Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs who recently joined the rival Shiv Sena faction. The figures indicate that the MPs utilised only a limited share of the development funds allocated to them for constituency works over the last three financial years.
The issue has drawn attention because the legislators had earlier cited lack of funds for development activities in their constituencies as one of the main reasons for aligning with the ruling coalition. The MPLADS records, however, show utilisation rates ranging from just 1.07% to 26.84% among the six MPs.
MPLADS Scheme and Allocation Details
Under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), every MP receives ₹5 crore annually from the central government. The scheme allows parliamentarians to recommend development projects in their constituencies, mainly focused on creating durable community assets and addressing local infrastructure requirements.
If the allocated amount is not fully spent during a financial year, the remaining balance is carried forward and added to the allocation for the following year. The MPLADS portal also keeps records of completed projects, ongoing works, pending proposals and fund utilisation details.
According to the report available on the portal, the six MPs together had access to nearly ₹100 crore during the previous two financial years and the first quarter of the current year. However, the data showed that only an average of approximately ₹13.60 crore had been utilised during this period.
The figures have become politically significant because the MPs had argued that inadequate financial support was restricting development work in their constituencies.
Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar Recorded Highest Utilisation
Among the six legislators, Hingoli MP Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar recorded the highest utilisation percentage.
The MPLADS report showed that Ashtikar used 26.84% of the funds available to him. He had recommended 107 development projects in his constituency. Of these, 28 works had been completed, while the remaining projects were still ongoing.
The projects proposed by Ashtikar included construction of cement roads and building a compound wall for a Muslim cemetery.
Responding to criticism over the figures, Ashtikar said the data was being interpreted incorrectly and argued that the issue of development funding extended beyond MPLADS allocations.
“We get ₹5 crore each year in MP funds, which is too small for a Lok Sabha constituency comprising six assembly constituencies. When we spoke about the development works and funds earlier, we were referring to projects from DPDC (district planning and development committee) and state government’s schemes – crores are required for a single project which is not possible without the support from the ruling side,” said Ashtikar.
His statement highlighted the distinction between MPLADS allocations and larger state-supported infrastructure projects, which often require substantially higher investments.
Sanjay Dina Patil Showed Lowest Fund Usage
Mumbai North East MP Sanjay Dina Patil registered the lowest utilisation among the six MPs named in the report.
According to the portal data, only 1.07% of his allocated MPLADS funds had been utilised during the examined period.
The report further stated that all 40 projects recommended by Patil remained incomplete. These proposed works included beautification of public grounds and laying drainage lines in different areas of the constituency.
The low utilisation figure has become a major talking point in the ongoing political debate, especially because development funding was cited as a key concern by the rebel MPs before their switch to the rival Shiv Sena faction.
Project Status of Other Rebel MPs
The MPLADS report also detailed the status of projects proposed by the other MPs who recently changed political allegiance.
Dharashiv MP Omraje Nimbalkar had recommended 130 projects under the scheme. Out of these, only 21 had been completed, while 109 remained ongoing.
Parbhani MP Sanjay Jadhav proposed 81 development works. The report stated that 25 of these projects had been completed, while 56 were either ongoing or pending.
Shirdi MP Bhausaheb Wakchaure recommended 137 projects. However, only two works had been completed and 135 were still ongoing.
Similarly, Yavatmal MP Sanjay Deshmukh had proposed 113 projects, of which seven were completed while 106 remained under progress.
The data collectively pointed to a large number of incomplete or ongoing projects across the constituencies represented by the six MPs.
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Omraje Nimbalkar Defends His Record
Following the release of the figures, Omraje Nimbalkar defended his performance and argued that the analysis focused on a limited time period.
“It is unfair to analyse my work over just two years as I have used 100% of the funds allocated for my constituency between 2019-24. The fund allocation shown in MPLADS report is of three financial years since 2024.”
Nimbalkar’s response suggested that the current figures did not fully reflect his overall utilisation history during his tenure as MP.
The remaining four MPs did not respond to calls and messages seeking their comments on the MPLADS data and the criticism surrounding it.
Political Row Intensifies After Defections
The utilisation figures have added a fresh dimension to the political conflict between Shiv Sena (UBT) and the rival Shiv Sena faction.
The six MPs had earlier expressed dissatisfaction regarding the availability of funds for development activities in their constituencies. Their shift to the ruling coalition was widely viewed as being linked to administrative support and access to larger development resources.
However, critics within Shiv Sena (UBT) argue that the MPLADS figures contradict those claims and show that substantial allocations remained unused.
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Sanjay Raut Targets Rebel MPs
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut strongly criticised the rebel legislators after the report became public.
“The data clearly shows how the MPs failed to utilise the MPLADS funds. Funds amounting to ₹14 crore are unspent. Who had stopped them from using the funds? And now, for which fund have they switched their allegiance?” Raut said.
His remarks reflected the party’s attempt to question the justification given by the rebel MPs for their political move.
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