Mumbai: Former senior BJP leader, Eknath Khadse, who has made an immense contribution to the party in Khandesh for 40 years, will officially be inducted into the NCP today. After entry into the party, he will be given an important portfolio in Maha Vikas Aghadi, MVA cabinet, which would lead to many political twists in the state. Khadse’s entry would turn around the Maharashtra cabinet.
The state cabinet meeting has been postponed repeatedly since two days owing to his political stance. It is expected that the issues of changes in the cabinet and Khadse’s induction will be discussed in the next meeting.
BJP will get setback
After inducting Khadse into Nationalist Congress Party, NCP, a huge responsibility would be entrusted upon him. He is well renowned and has immense support in more than 15 constituencies in North Maharashtra and West Vidarbha. His stepping into NCP would be a backlash for the BJP in nearly 15 constituencies in next assembly elections. Also, he can play his cards well as a strong OBC leader.
The Bahujan leader's presence in the BJP used to woo the OBC votes and his switch over to NCP would be detrimental. According to political analysts, Khadse may pose a big challenge to BJP’s dominance in North Maharashtra.
Read: Explained: Eknath Khadse's exit from BJP
Speculations over the Ministry of Agriculture
To rehabilitate Khadse, it is believed that, some NCP ministers may be dropped. The maximum possibility is that Khadse may be given the portfolio of housing and labour ministry. Khadse himself is insistent for agriculture ministry. Since, Shivsena holds that portfolio, NCP may have to give housing ministry in lieu of agriculture to Khadse. It is believed that NCP has agreed to give him housing ministry.
Chance for Avhad in party organization
After the induction of Khadse into the party, NCP may accept housing minister Jitendra Avhad’s resignation and he may be entrusted with greater responsibility in the party organization, it is also said that Dilip Valse Patil may be dropped due to his prolonged sickness.
