Ex-NCP MLA Rajan Patil, Yashwant Mane joins BJP

Earlier, there was an understanding that the ruling parties will not poach each other's workers or leaders in Maharashtra. However, the BJP seems to have overlooked these norms.

Two former NCP MLAs in Rajan Patil and Yashwant Mane on Wednesday formally joined the BJP along with their followers at the party headquarters in Mumbai.

Ahead of local bodies elections, the BJP is undergoing an expansion by wooing not only local leaders from the opposition but the ruling alliance as well.

Two former NCP MLAs in Rajan Patil and Yashwant Mane on Wednesday formally joined the BJP along with their followers at the party headquarters in Mumbai. Another NCP leader Babandada Shinde’s son Ranjitsinh Shinde also joined the BJP.

The state BJP president Ravindra Chavan and cabinet minister Jayakynar Gore welcomed the newcomers in the party.

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The BJP’s decision to NCP local leaders representing Western Maharashtra is to consolidate itself in the coming panchayat, zilla parishad and municipal corporation elections.

Earlier, there was an understanding that the ruling parties will not poach each other’s workers or leaders in Maharashtra. However, BJP seems to have overlooked these norms.

The state BJP president Chavan said, “ A large number of leaders across party lines in Maharashtra are drawn to the leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. They want to associate with BJP and contribute to the ongoing development of the state.”

He also stressed, “ The BJP is pursuing the national agenda and working for public good. If anybody is keen on joining our party, why should we stop.”
On its part the BJP insiders said, “ We have not poached any minister or elected MLA/MP from our alliance partners. Those who joined are local leaders who believe they have better scope in BJP.”

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