Congress and NCP stalwarts set to join BJP in Maha
Both the leaders are likely to join the BJP during the scheduled rallies of Mr Modi to be held in the state for the Lok Sabha polls.
Mumbai: Senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and NCP heavyweight leader Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil are all set to follow the footsteps of their sons and join the BJP. The schedule for both the leaders’ entry into the BJP has been finalised and they will soon join the party in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said party sources.
Both the leaders are likely to join the BJP during the scheduled rallies of Mr Modi to be held in the state for the Lok Sabha polls. While Vikhe-Patil, who is also the leader of opposition in the state Legislative Assembly, would join the BJP on April 12 in Ahmednagar and Mohite-Patil will do so at Akluj in Solapur district on April 17, the sources said.
“A rally of PM Modi is planned in Ahmednagar on April 12, where Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil will join the BJP along with some disgruntled leaders of Congress. Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil and his supporters will join the BJP in a rally on April 17, which will be held in Akluj,” said a BJP insider.
The sons of Mr Vikhe-Patil and Mr Mohite-Patil had both joined the BJP ahead of Lok Sabha elections. Mr Vikhe-Patil’s son Sujay had joined the BJP last month after the NCP refused to vacate Ahmednagar seat for him. The BJP later gave him a ticket from the same constituency.
Mr Mohite-Patil was denied a ticket from Madha as Mr Pawar himself had announced to contest from the constituency. However, the NCP chief later announced that he was not interested.