Pune : Social media indicate Ravindra Dhangekar joining Shiv Sena (BT)
Pune: It has become clear that former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar will join the Shiv Sena (BT). Following Dhangekar’s indications on social media, Shiv Sena (BT) leader and State Industries Minister Uday Samant has contacted the former legislator from Kasba Peth.
Confirming speculations, Dhangekar said, “I will not join the Shiv Sena (BT) in a clandestine manner. I will decide after discussing the issue with my workers.”
If Dhangekar joins the Shiv Sena (BT), the Congress is likely to be weakened in the city.
Dhangekar registered a shocking victory in the State Assembly bypoll in the BJP citadel two-and-a-half years ago. He defeated BJP’s MLA Hemant Rasane. Later, the Congress MLA contested the Lok Sabha elections but lost to his counterpart BJP candidate Murlidhar Mohol.
Dhangekar was again defeated in the State elections in October last year.
There were speculations that he would switch allegiance to the Shiv Sena (BT). Later, he posted an indicative picture on social media, intensifying speculations. It is said that it is merely a formality now after Minister Samant proposed that Dhangekar should join the Shiv Sena (BT).
It was rumoured that Dhangekar would leave the Congress in the backdrop of the civic elections. He met DyCM Eknath Shinde, which suggested his crossing over to the former’s side.
Bickering in the city unit of Congress
After his victory in the Kasba Peth bypoll, Dhangekar became a ‘blue-eyed’ boy for the Congress. However, several complaints were lodged against him by fellow party leaders that he did not follow the Congress ideology. They alleged that he was behaving more like a Shiv sainik or an MNS leader.
Dhangekar said, “The picture I posted on social media was clicked on Shiv Jayanti. What is wrong in sporting a saffron scarf? I have friends in all parties. I am proud of my religion. I am welcomed everywhere. Therefore, Samant is willing to welcome me to their party. There is nothing wrong with this. I will not enter in a clandestine manner. I will decide after discussing the issue with my workers.”
