MUMBAI– Maharashtra politics took a dramatic turn as both veteran Sanjaybaba Ghatge, an important name from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Pandit Patil of Shetkari Kamgar Party(SKP), today declared their allegiance to the Bharatiya Janata Party.. Which is a major blow to both Shiv Sena (UBT) and Shetkari Kamgar Party , especially in the Kolhapur district as it is represented here by two desertions.
Sanjaybaba Ghatge is one of popular leaders of Kagal taluka Kolhapur and has been an old associate with Shiv Sena (UBT) He defected from the Uddhav Thackeray camp coming in for the BJP unawares. In Kagal, it could be a setback for Shiv Sena (UBT) due to Ghatge’s clout and hence its residence in the on a knife edge Maharashtra heartland.
Likewise, fellow Shetkari Kamgar party leader Pandit Patil; who is also a highly respected leader of this party is to join the BJP. Patil’s removal will have enormous impact on the SKP, which is a party that traditionally fought the battle of farmers rights and Patil Yellath sold the party dearly within party ranks. It is an additional pointer on the way political dynamics in Maharashtra are realigning.
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Sanjaybaba Ghatge and Pandit Patil formally join the BJP, expected to take place fairly soon in presence of several top BJP leaders. Who is likely to be present for the join ceremony on day of membership, the decision may be taken today by Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Depech Chief devendra fadnavis. The BJP’s strategic step is perceived as a huge advantage for them, especially in Kolhapur district before an upcoming election.
As per sources in BJP, both the leaders were willing that they can contribute to the development agenda with continued rule by the BJP. The paradox that first drove them to the saffron party highlights how much influence the BJP has become in Maharashtra politicsand could be decisive influence on Mahavikas Aghadi dynamics (Shiv Sena (UBT)has one of its links the Shetkari Kamgar Party)
Yet, top leaders from Shiv Sena (UBT)-like Jayant Patil (note: surname is a common one but this is may be key figure of anar to Pandit Patil departure) and other prominent leaders in the Shetkari Kamgar Party cannot issue formal statements over these high profile exits as of yet. But these are unmissable trends being read with alarm, at the most important Mahavikas Aghadi side as BJP now trying to increase its feet even from opposition leaders. BJP joining of these two leaders signals interesting changes in Maharashtra political scene
