Shetkari Sanghatana splits

Though leaders like Anil Gote, and Vijay Jawandhiya had quit the movement earlier, following differences with founder Sharad Joshi, this is the first time that a major split is taking place.

8220;Shetkari Sanghatana has become a redundant force since the last decade and it was high time Sharad Joshi, its leader, announced its dissolution8221;, Dhongle, who was twice president of the Sanghatana said, talking to The Indian Express.

However, in spite of the issue put before Joshi on as many as three occasions, during the past one year, he was in no mood to come to terms with the reality forcing a major section of the movement to chalk out their own course, Dhongle said.

Dhongle said the presidents of as many as 12 district units of the party would announce the formal merger with the NCP at a rally to be organised in Nanded on May 26.

Among the major leaders of the party who would join the NCP are Kishor Mathankar and Sandhya Hingole, both from Vidarba. Dhongle himself hails from Nanded in Marathwada.