Veteran Eknath Khadse Set for BJP Reentry Next Week in New Delhi

After a hiatus of more than three years, veteran politician Eknath Khadse is set to return to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), marking a significant shift in Maharashtra's political landscape. Khadse, who had severed ties with the BJP to join the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar, announced his decision to rejoin his former party in New Delhi next week. This move comes after Khadse's departure from the BJP in 2016 due to a controversial land deal case and subsequent disagreements with the state leadership.

Khadse, aged 71, expressed his intentions to return to the BJP fold, citing his long-standing association and contributions to the party's growth at the grassroots level in Maharashtra. "I am returning to the BJP. I approached the Central leadership of BJP and conveyed to them my wish to return to the party fold," Khadse stated, highlighting his discussions with BJP chief JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding his comeback.

The veteran politician's decision is rooted in his extensive history with the BJP, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the party's presence in north Maharashtra. Despite facing charges of graft and misuse of official position in a land deal case, Khadse's re-entry into the BJP is anticipated to bolster the party's influence in the region, especially ahead of upcoming elections.

Khadse's political journey has been marked by significant challenges, including being sidelined within the BJP due to conflicts with key figures such as Devendra Fadnavis and Girish Mahajan. His move to the NCP in 2020 was seen as a major shift, yet his recent decision underscores a reconciliation with the BJP's central leadership.

Notably, Khadse's family members have also been involved in politics, with his daughter-in-law Raksha Khadse serving as a sitting BJP MP from Raver. The dynamics within his family reflect the complex interplay of political affiliations and aspirations.

As Khadse prepares to rejoin the BJP on either April 8 or 9, as indicated by Shiv Sena minister Gulabrao Patil, his return is expected to have significant implications for Maharashtra's political scene. With his strong base among the OBC community and influential position in north Maharashtra, Khadse's comeback could potentially reshape alliances and voter support in the region.

The veteran leader's move also raises questions about his future role within the BJP and how he will navigate his relationships with those who were previously at odds with him. As Maharashtra politics continues to evolve, Eknath Khadse's return to the BJP marks a notable chapter in the state's ongoing political saga.