Loyalists say minister a victim of internal rivalry

While the BJP’s top leadership is under pressure to move against Maharashtra revenue minister Eknath Khadse, his loyalists are trying to project him as a “victim of internal rivalry within the BJP”.

They pointed out that Mr Khadse, who was much senior to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis in the party, was “not too pleased” with the move to appoint Mr Fadnavis as chief minister. A BJP functionary close to Mr Khadse claimed the revenue minister was also “emerging as a threat to the CM”.

Meanwhile, stung by the controversies, Mr Khadse maintained a low profile as rumours about his resignation flew thick and fast. He accompanied a team from the Centre that came to Marathwada to review crop losses.

The state revenue minister’s troubles began when his aide, Gajanan Patil, was arrested for demanding a bribe of Rs 30 crore for a land deal.

After that, allegations surfaced that his son-in-law was in possession of an illegally-modified limousine. Then came the major blow. Based on information revealed by ethical hacker Manish Bhangale, reports emerged that several calls were made from Dawood’s phone to a number registered in Mr Khadse’s name.

He was embroiled in yet another controversy for allegedly buying MIDC land at a throwaway price in the names of his wife and son-in-law.

The pressure is mounting as former AAP leader Anjali Damania on Thursday launched a hunger strike demanding an inquiry into allegations of corruption against the revenue minister.

Ms Damania had met social activist Anna Hazare on Wednesday to seek his blessings before beginning with the hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai.