It’s going to be a tough fight for BJP, what with ousted former minister Eknath Khadse supporting an independent candidate against the party’s official candidate in elections of Member of Legislative Council (MLC) from Jalgaon local body constituency.
The independent candidate in question is Advocate Vijay Bhaskar Patil, brother of Mr Khadse’s close aide, who has entered the election fray in place of outgoing MLC and supporter of Mr Khadse, Gurumukh Jagwani. Meanwhile, BJP is fielding Chandulal Patel, close confidant of Girish Mahajan and another minister from the district and bête noire of Mr Khadse.
In Jalgaon, though there are eight candidates in the election fray, the fight will be between Mr Patel and Vijay Patil.
Yogesh Patil, local NCP leader, said, “Advocate Vijay Patil is the brother of independent corporator and whistleblower Narendra Patil. Corporator Narendra had exposed the housing scam of Shiv Sena stalwart, Suresh Jain, who was put behind bars and was in prison for the past three to four years and only recently released on bail.”
Apparently, Mr Khadse backed Narendra Patil with money and legal aid so that the latter could destroy the political base of Mr Jain in the district. Mr Narendra intervened against Mr Jain and former NCP minister, Gulabrao Deokar, in the Supreme Court and hired a team of lawyers who charged hefty fees to appear in the apex court, said Yogesh Patil.
Meanwhile, Mr Mahajan tried to hold the election unopposed but failed to convince the independent candidate. Mr Khadse has clarified he will be working for the party candidate.
