Since BJP doesn’t have strong presence in western Maharashtra the party is keen to increase its voter base in that region by inducting Sadabhu Khot.
Speculations are rife in political circles that Maharashtra Minister of State for Agriculture and Marketing, Sadabhau Khot, is likely to quit Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) and join Bhartiya Janata Party(BJP). Since last few days, there have been reports about a tussle between Khot and Raju Shetti leader of Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana. Since BJP doesn’t have strong presence in western Maharashtra the party is keen to increase its voter base in that region by inducting Khot. Western Maharashtra is considered to be a strong hold of NCP and Congress. Of late, there have been reports about Khot getting closer with BJP. By inducting Khot the party is keen to attract farmers as they are finding it difficult to survive in the aftermath of demonetisation. Few days back, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has indicated that he would be giving additional charge of water and sanitation departments to Sadabhau Khot. Fadnavis also had appreciated the work done by Khot and had felicitated him.
On the other hand, Khot claimed that the reports about him joining BJP is not true. He said, “I am not planning to leave Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana. I will follow the instructions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and work accordingly. I will work for the welfare of farmers and residents of Maharashtra. Already farmers are grappling with shortage of money due to demonetisation.”
According to sources, “BJP is likely to offer a plum ministry to Khot without having a word with Raju Shetti which has invited his ire. Therefore there has been a rift between Shetti and Khot.”
Even, Raju Shetti termed the reports about Sadabhau Khot quitting the party as baseless. Shetti said, “He is a leader who has worked hard at the grassroots level and has connected with masses. If BJP thinks that it can create a split in our party by joining with Khot then it won’t be successful.”
“Khot is holding a ministerial position in the BJP government and he won’t quit the party. He is doing a good job and worked hard for the welfare of farmers,” he added.
