By Political Bureau, New Delhi Chronicle
MUMBAI: In a sensational revelation that has shaken Maharashtra’s political circles, veteran Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Eknath Khadse disclosed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally extended an offer for him to return to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, the Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) firmly rejected the invitation, asserting his absolute loyalty to party supremo Sharad Pawar.
The declaration comes amid intense political speculation triggered by a recent high-profile meeting between BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde and Khadse at the latter’s residence. Clarifying the nature of that encounter, Khadse dismissed it as a mere courtesy call regarding his health, using a newly released video message to set the record straight on his political future.
The ‘Blackmail’ Inside the BJP
Delving into the behind-the-scenes drama, Khadse acknowledged that he had previously traveled to New Delhi upon receiving a direct phone call from Amit Shah. During the visit, Shah invited him to rejoin the saffron fold and directed him to discuss the final modalities with BJP National President J.P. Nadda.
However, internal sabotage and severe resistance from Maharashtra’s local BJP leadership ultimately stalled the transition.
“Yes, I had gone to Delhi because Amit Shah called me and asked me to join the BJP,” Khadse revealed. “But senior BJP leaders later informed me that if I was inducted back into the party, local leaders would refuse to work. They went to the extent of threatening that they would ensure the BJP loses the Lok Sabha seat if I was taken back.”
Expressing his displeasure at the internal factions, Khadse questioned the integrity of the state leadership, claiming he was told by central party bosses to quietly assist the BJP during the Lok Sabha campaigns with a promise that his re-induction would be reviewed later. “So who exactly is opposing my entry?” Khadse questioned, hinting at deeper rifts within the state unit.
Staying Loyal to Sharad Pawar
Putting all speculation regarding a “ghar wapsi” (homecoming) to rest, the seasoned politician declared that his chapter with the BJP is permanently closed. Despite his daughter-in-law, Raksha Khadse, serving as a BJP MP and Union Minister, Eknath Khadse clarified that his personal political allegiance remains unshakeable.
“I want to make it absolutely clear that I have no interest in joining the BJP now. I am with Sharad Pawar, and I will remain with him till the very end,” Khadse asserted. While he noted that some of his grassroots workers might still be interested in a shift to the BJP, he himself would not move.
Internal Feuds and Rebuttals
The political drama also escalated into a war of words with State Minister and local rival Girish Mahajan. Mahajan had previously quipped about Khadse’s political clout, jokingly stating that Khadse possesses a “direct hotline to Delhi” while he himself was just a “small man.”
Khadse retaliated sharply to the sarcasm, reminding Mahajan of past political favors. “I supported Girish Mahajan in every possible way until he became a minister. He only gained recognition due to the backing of the Chief Minister and the party leadership,” Khadse remarked.
Meanwhile, Mahajan dismissed claims that he was responsible for blocking Khadse’s re-entry, stating that decisions of such magnitude rest solely with the central leadership in New Delhi.
Adding to the intrigue, Khadse also held a courtesy meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut at ‘Matoshri’. With Khadse digging in his heels alongside the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) coalition, his refusal to yield to the BJP’s central outreach signals a fierce battle ahead for the Maharashtra leadership.
