Shiv Sena plays safe, distances itself from Khadse controversy

Mumbai : The Shiv Sena, which is the BJP’s alliance partner in Maharashtra, today distanced itself from the ongoing controversy surrounding the demands for Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse’s resignation and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government must initiate strict action if they want to make India a corruption free nation.

Putting the ball in BJP’s court, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut said it is for the NDA regime to take a final call on Khadse.

“We are no where related to the controversy and it is the BJP-led NDA Government that has to take the decision. Politics is always done on the basis of morality and if Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to make a corruption free country then this issue holds no place in the nation,” Raut told ANI.

“Today if someone is questioned from our party on corruption charges, Devendra Fadnavis is held responsible. If Khadse is innocent then the CM should say so. And if he’s not then it pinches a direct question at the morality of the government,” he added.

Meanwhile, another party leader Manisha Kayande called for a fair probe so that the truth comes out in public domain.

“The BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre is boasting about a non-corrupt image. Such developments in Maharashtra are going to be detrimental for the party as well as the government’s functioning,” Kayande told ANI.

“Definitely the opposition is going to take the advantage of this entire issue. However, I think the BJP state and central leadership will take a call on this. But definitely there has to be a fair enquiry into the matter,” she added.

The Bharatiya Janata Party ( BJP) is contemplating action against Khadse with reports indicating that Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has been summoned to the national capital by party chief Amit Shah to discuss the matter.

A delegation of Congress leaders yesterday met Maharashtra Governor Vidyasagar Rao and demanded Khadse’s resignation over the land deal and his alleged involvement in calls made to gangster Dawood Ibrahim in Pakistan.

However, Khadse so far rubbished all the charges levelled against him. (ANI)