MIDC land controversy: Supporters root for beleaguered minister

Khadse has been facing allegations one after the other of late. First it was alleged that he received calls on his mobile phone from fugitive don Dawood Ibrahim, and then his family members’ names figured in a controversial land deal in Pune. Both these charges have earned flak for the BJP and the state government led by it.

At his home constituency Muktainagar in Jalgaon district, however, a group of corporators threatened to resign if the BJP did not come in defence of Khadse. Some of his followers are also trying to play the OBC card to mount pressure on the BJP’s state and central leaderships to ensure no action is taken against him. Khadse belongs to Leva-Patil community.

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Among the delegates who met Danve included Smita Wagh, A T Nana Patil, Unmesh pateil and Harbhau Jawle among others. “Last 48 hours saw Khadse’s emissaries trying to reach out to several top leaders in Maharashtra, demanding that he is not dropped from the cabinet as he is the senior-most leader with mass base in North Maharashtra,” said a senior BJP functionary at the party headquarters.

Danve tried to underplay the developments. He said, “Yes, North Maharashtra delegates met me. But it was related to some organisational matter.” He added that the party had always stood by Khadse.

Danve, however, refused to comment on the charges of corruption that has tarnished the image of the BJP and the Maharashtra government.

Political managers in the BJP said it was evident that Khadse was finding himself on the back foot after a series of allegations. “The pressure on the government to sack him from the cabinet is building as new allegations are coming to light. Khadse is trying to counter the move by showing his political strength and significance in the party,” said a source.

A close aide of Khadse said, “We feel the party should help Khadse. He has served the organisation for 40 years.”

Speaking to The Indian Express, a senior leader and party general secretary said, “It is a fact that Khadse is among the most experienced leaders we have in the government. But his attempt to use political might to counter corruption charges will prove counter productive. Top leadership of the BJP will perceive this as an open challenge or blackmail.”

Instead of getting defiant, party insiders said, Khadse should have returned the land in Bhosari (near Pune) to the MIDC, which “would have at least helped him restore his image in the organisation”.

The minister skipped the cabinet meeting Tuesday, and has been camping in his home constituency for the last 48 hours. “Any effort to polarise the organisation on caste card will not work in the party,” said a leader.

A senior central functionary said, “Initially, it was felt that Khadse should be divested of revenue and minority welfare portfolios. At present, Khadse holds ten portfolios. However, his political defiance coupled with allegations coming to the fore, are fuelling the demand for his sacking.”