One of BJP’s closest allies, Shiv Sena has demanded the termination of Eknath Khadse as Maharashtra Revenue Minister over allegations of wrongdoing.
Shiv Sena reminded the BJP of its promise of a corruption-free government, while the latter hit back saying that the Sena should not interfere in its internal matters.
The BJP, however, retorted saying the Sena should stop interfering in its internal affairs and that the party leadership was capable of taking a call on the issue.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut told the media,:
Eknath Khadse is a senior leader of the BJP and at a time when allegations are being leveled against him, he is the only one answering everybody. The Chief Minister is not speaking on the issue at all. The BJP should maintain moral standards. We will take a stand on the issue once the CM speaks on the demand for Khadse’s resignation
He added that that if Khadse has not done anything wrong, the CM should come forward and say so.
BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said that the BJP leadership is capable enough to take the necessary decision on the issue and that the Sena should not interfere in their internal matters.
On Thursday, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis met with BJP President Amit Shah to discuss the matter. He also handed over a factual report regarding the case and said the party would dictate future steps.
Fadnavis is also slated to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issue further.
Khadse Under Cloud of Suspicion Says Satyapal Singh
Meanwhile, Satyapal Singh, former Mumbai Police Commissioner and current BJP leader, also commented on the issue saying that Khadse is “under a cloud of suspicion”.
Khadse found himself embroiled in a series of controversies over allegations of impropriety in the purchase of Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation land in Pune, and alleged calls from fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim’s residence to his mobile, among others.
(With PTI inputs)