Won't betray Thackerays, says Arjun Khotkar
There were reports suggesting that the Congress was trying to woo Khotkar and field him against Danve.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena minister Arjun Khotkar has put to rest the reports of him joining the Congress saying that he would never betray the Thackeray family.
“I will take the final decision after discussing with party chief Uddhav Thackeray. Whatever decision Uddhav Saheb will take, I will abide by it. I will never betray the Thackeray family,” said Mr Khotkar.
There were reports suggesting that the Congress was trying to woo Mr Khotkar and field him against Mr Danve. It was also said that Mr Khotkar would join the Congress on March 1, in the presence of party chief Rahul Gandhi to fulfil his plans of contesting against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state chief and member of Parliament Raosaheb Danve from Jalna constituency.
Mr Khotkar, minister of state for textiles, animal husbandry, dairy development and fisheries development, had vowed to contest the Lok Sabha polls against Mr Danve as both the leaders have been political rivals for a long time. However, with Sena finally deciding to form an alliance with its ally, his problems have
worsened.
“Even if the Sena-BJP alliance happens, I will contest from Jalna and win 100 per cent. But whatever decision Uddhavji will take, it will be final for me,” said Mr Khotkar.
The minister had said earlier that even if the Sena-BJP alliance were to become a reality in the state, he ould contest from the Jalna constituency and secure victory for sure.