Pandey placed as BJP Mah Unit of North Indian Cell chief

Thane, Jun 29 (UNI) A senior leader of Bharatiya Janata Party and a prominent north Indian figure from the state Mrityunjay Pandey, was today appointed as chief for Maharashtra State Unit of North Indian Cell by the party state unit president Nitin Gadkari.

This appointment has significance of forthcoming Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, which may be announced any time due to the present political circumstances.

This also has immense importance in the background of problems faced by north Indians in Maharashtra due to issues created by Maharashtra Navanirman Sena (MNS) led by Raj Thackeray.

It is believed that this appointment is likely to benefit Shiv Sena in many ways. Sena will have to take lesser efforts in the election process as major part of attracting north Indian votes towards Sena-BJP, would be played by BJP.

Mr Pandey have been associated with Sangh Parivar and the Janasangh for several years. He was closely associated with Balraj Madhok and other senior leaders of the party and was with them even during crisis.

This is the first time that the party has picked up a candidate from Thane for it's high level post.

The party has selected Mr Pandey in view of the coming elections, when Thane will elect as many as 24 MLAs for next Assembly.

Mr Pandey was ward president of the party in 1982-82, later he became party general secretary during 1982-84 and was vice-president of Kamghar Morcha in 1998-2000. He was Thane Region Uttar Bharatiya Cell President in 2001-03 during which, he ensured to bring maximum number of north Indians to the party, and his appointment as the state chief for the cell is recognition of his work.

Talking to mediapersons after his appointment Mr Pandey thanked the senior leaders of the party for granting recognition to his work and added that he will live up to their expectations.

UNI XR GR KK KP1113