Setback for MNS as 4 leaders join BJP; Raj Thackeray calls on CM Fadnavis

Thus, signaling when it comes to expansion of the BJP there cannot be any compromise and there would be no question of buckling under any pressure.

The four MNS leaders who formally joined the BJP are –Praveen Darekar (Mumbai), Vasant Geete (Nashik), Kashinath Mengle (Igatpuri) and Ramesh Patil (Dombivali). Although all these four leaders are former MLAs, they have some base in their respective constituencies which the BJP intends to use in the local bodies elections in the coming years.

On Tuesday morning, MNS president Raj Thackeray met Fadnavis at his official residence Varsha. Highly placed sources in the MNS told Indian Express, “ Officially, the two discussed issues related to school children’s heavy bags. Thackeray raked up matters related to education and children.” However, sources in the BJP revealed, “

Thackeray and Fadnavis meeting had a political backdrop. Indirectly, it was conveyed that BJP should reconsider its decision not to induct MNS MLAs in their party.”

According to state BJP chief Raosaheb Danve, “ The BJP has opened its doors to all those interested to join and strengthen the party. We are not promising any post or election tickets to any of these members.”
On alleged charges of financial irregularities against Darekar in cooperative bank, Danve said, “ We don’t consider anybody guilty unless proved. If he is pronounced guilty we would act.” Our policy is clear not to induct anybody who has committed a crime or corruption.

But these charges should be established against the individuals, he added.
A senior BJP functionary said, “ In case of Praveen Darekar and Vasant Geete there has been a repeated plea that they wanted to join the BJP. But both of them were asked to wait. As chief minister felt it was not proper to rush in new comers at this moment.”

However, BJP president Amit Shah’s directives to the district BJP president to take a decision on induction of leaders across fields and parties for expansion of the organisation paved the way forward.

Sources said, “ The developments does not auger well for Raj Thackeray who is grappling to consolidate his base after the major drubbing in both Lok Sabha and assembly elections.”