Rajendra Gavit, the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from Palghar, made headlines as he returned to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after a stint with the Shiv Sena. This move signals a significant shift in Maharashtra's political landscape. Pics/ Sameer Syyed Abedi
Updated On: 2024-05-07 08:43 PM IST
Compiled by : Sanjana Deshpande
Gavit's political journey saw him transition from the Congress to the BJP in 2018, winning a bypoll for the Palghar Lok Sabha seat. Subsequently, he aligned with the Shiv Sena in 2019, as part of an agreement.
On Tuesday, Gavit rejoined the BJP in a ceremony attended by Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state unit chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule. This decision followed the BJP securing the Palghar seat in a recent seat-sharing arrangement with the Shiv Sena.
Gavit expressed his gratitude to the BJP and Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis for welcoming him back into the party fold. He pledged to work towards the 'MahaYuti', the grand alliance, in the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis cited Gavit's experience as an MP, legislator, and minister, emphasising his potential to contribute to the party's objectives in Maharashtra.
Fadnavis addressed criticism from the Congress and other quarters regarding minority representation in government schemes. He highlighted instances where schemes like the Prime Minister Awas Yojana and Ujwala scheme have benefited Muslim and minority communities, contrasting with Congress' approach.
Fadnavis accused the Congress of playing divisive politics, contrasting it with the BJP's focus on equitable distribution of resources based on economic status rather than religious affiliation.
Fadnavis supported Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's assertion that the previous government had intended to target him with legal action. He claimed that threats were made against him during his tenure as opposition leader, suggesting a political vendetta.
