Uddhav Thackeray’s ‘close aide’ Ravindra Waikar to join Shinde-led Sena today

Interestingly, Uddhav Thackeray was welcomed by Waikar when he visited Waikar’s constituency Jogeshwari East on Saturday.

Waikar was purportedly keeping a distance from Uddhav Thackeray for the past several months after the Mumbai police and the Enforcement Directorate initiated action against him in connection with the construction of a luxury hotel.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police had booked Waikar and five others on a complaint by BJP leader Kirit Somaiya.

Somaiya had alleged that Waikar fraudulently obtained approval for the construction of a five-star hotel on a plot reserved for a garden by using his political clout, causing a huge loss to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The ED had registered a case of money laundering against Waikar in November last year, based on the FIR by the Mumbai police.

While the speculation about Waikar switching to the ruling alliance was going on for several months, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP and spokesperson Sanjay Raut had alleged that the MLA was facing pressure from investigating agencies and was being threatened to either defect or face jail term.

Interestingly, the BMC informed the Supreme Court a couple of weeks ago that it was withdrawing its earlier order that had revoked permission granted to Waikar to build a five-star hotel in Jogeshwari (East). This was seen as a major relief to Waikar in the case and further fuelled speculations of Waikar joining the Shinde-led Sena.

Reacting to the development, NCP (Sharad Pawar) state president Jayant Patil said, “Waikar was cornered from all the sides by the central agencies and hence he must have taken the step by coming under pressure.”

Meanwhile, Shinde-led Sena leader and former MP Ramdas Kadam welcomed Waikar’s purported move.

Minister Girish Mahajan said, “Soon after the announcement of the code of conduct, several senior leaders are going to join the BJP and other Maha Yuti alliance partners. Hence there is no need to be surprised if leaders are joining the grand alliance.”