Devendra Fadnavis meets Amit Shah, submits report on Eknath Khadse

Khadse has been accused of various irregularities in purchase of a piece of land

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday met BJP President Amit Shah and submitted a report on the twin charges against state Revenue Minister Eknath Khadse of an illicit land deal and alleged connection with underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.

"I have submitted a factual report on recent developments to Amit Shahji and also held discussions over the issue. Now, the party will direct us on further steps that need to be taken," Fadnavis told reporters here after the meeting.

Fadnavis is also likely to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue.

Sources in the BJP said that the Prime Minister will take a final decision over the matter after consultation with Shah and senior cabinet colleagues.

Khadse, one of the most senior ministers in Maharashtra government, was mired in a fresh controversy this week as a Pune-based businessman accused him, his wife and son-in-law of various irregularities in the purchase of a piece of land.

The BJP's ally Shiv Sena and social worker Anna Hazare have been mounting pressure for Khadse's resignation.

Earlier, Shah had sought detailed report from party's state unit on the charges against Khadse.

Khadse is also facing allegations that mafia don Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar had made calls to him from his landline number in Karachi, where he is believed to be living as a fugitive.