Speculation Rises Over Former Leader’s Return to BJP, Expected to Bolster Party’s Presence in North Maharashtra
Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the State President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has clarified that the decision regarding the re-induction of Eknath Khadse into the party will be determined by both central and state committees, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to the joining process.
During his visit to the city on Sunday, Bawankule underscored the role of these committees in overseeing the entry of new members, dispelling any notions of a fragmented approach to Khadse’s potential return to the saffron fold.
The prospect of Khadse’s re-entry into the BJP has generated considerable interest, particularly in the context of bolstering the party’s influence in the north Maharashtra region, where his leadership could potentially invigorate the party’s presence.
Eknath Khadse, a former senior leader within the BJP, resigned from his ministerial position in the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet in 2016 amidst a controversy surrounding a land deal case. Subsequently, he endured a period of political isolation before joining the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in 2020, attributing his departure from the BJP to internal disputes.
Addressing queries regarding any potential opposition from Devendra Fadnavis towards Khadse’s re-induction, Bawankule asserted the former Chief Minister’s respect for the veteran leader, indicating a favorable disposition towards his return.
Meanwhile, amidst speculations surrounding Khadse’s realignment, his daughter Rohini, who holds a prominent position within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), affirmed her commitment to the party despite her father’s potential move back to the BJP.
Bawankule also highlighted the recent influx of leaders from other political entities into the BJP, citing examples such as former Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Archana Patil, both of whom joined the party in recent times.
Ashok Chavan’s transition from the Congress to the BJP in February, followed by his unopposed election to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, underscores the evolving political landscape in the state. Similarly, Archana Patil, daughter-in-law of former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, recently aligned herself with the BJP, reflecting ongoing shifts in political allegiances.
As the deliberations regarding Eknath Khadse’s re-induction continue, the political landscape in Maharashtra remains dynamic, with parties engaging in strategic maneuvers to consolidate their positions ahead of upcoming elections.
