MLC Gidwani quits Sena, joins Congress

Mumbai, May 30 (UNI) Mr Kanhaiyalal Gidwani, Shiv Sena MLC whose six-year-term is scheduled to expire on July 27, has resigned from the House and also quit the party while casting aspersions on the functioning of party executive president Uddhav Thackeray.

Mr Gidwani quit the Sena and joined the Congress today in presence of Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee president Prabha Rau. Incidentally, Mr Gidwani has been denied the Sena ticket for the Council biennial elections on June 1.

Earlier, Mr Gidwani handed over his letter of resignation from the membership of the Upper House to Chairman Shivajirao Deshmukh. He also faxed his resignation from the membership of the Shiv Sena to ''Matoshree'', the residence of party Chief Bal Thackeray.

He, however, claimed he had not quit the Sena on being denied the ticket. ''I did not even demand the ticket. I have resigned because of the approach of the present party bosses,'' Mr Gidwani told reporters.

He alleged that party workers like him were being sidelined by the Shiv Sena. Mr Gidwani, who hails from Sangli, had launched his political career in 1978 under the leadership of late Vasantdada Patil.

He had joined the Shiv Sena after brief associations with Janata Dal and Samajwadi Janata Party and was rewarded with the MLC seat in 2000.

So far, six Sena legislators, including Revenue Minister Narayan Rane, have quit the Shiv Sena and also resigned from the House. Five of them have got relected as Congress candidates from their same constituencies.

UNI JM-MR MAZ RL KP2007