BJP sacks Kalyan chief held for murder

Party sources said group rivalry could be the reason behind the shocking murder. Jarande was recently nominated to the transport committee of the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation but was apprehensive that Bhave would create problems by opposing and exposing him. 8220;In light of orders from the Kalyan district president MLA Digambar Vishe, Bhave8217;s opponents had quietened, but the resentment smoulderedwithin,8221; pointed out an insider.

Jarande, a hardcore RSS activist who rose up the BJP ranks, asked a couple of trusted lieutenants to threaten Bhave to stay within limits. However, the two carried the brief further and stabbed Bhave to death. Jarande is reportedly not a very balanced person but the party elevated him as Kalyan unit president for his dogged work and loyalty. Sources said he practises 8220;tantra-mantra8221; regularly.

Elections to the transport committee are scheduled for February 26. With the BJP now having just one candidate in the fray, the Independents are likely to bag two seats instead of one. The new equation has also made the election of Sudhir Pandit Sena as KDMT chairperson uncertain. Pandit had been assured of support by the BJP. The other contender, Laxman Ambokar, also from the Sena, is likely to win the poll.