Disgruntled Khadse lands in Delhi; meets Sharad Pawar

Maharashtra BJP veteran Eknath Khadse, who has been critical of the state leadership post- assembly polls, on Monday spoke about being "humiliated" and "ignored" by the party as he landed in Delhi to meet central leaders amid mounting speculation over his next move.

Later in the evening, he met NCP chief Sharad Pawar, a Raja Sabha member, in the national capital and claimed their interaction centred around irrigation issues.

Khadse also said he will Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday.

Khadse resigned as revenue minister of the erstwhile BJP government in 2016 over land grab allegations.

The 67-year old, who has been vocal of late against some of the party's decisions after the BJP's below par show in the October Assembly results, was denied a ticket.

"Khadse has sought appointment with senior leaders of the BJP in Delhi. The chief talking point of his meeting would be about ending his alienation in the party," said a close aide of the former minister.

The aide claimed Khadse's treatment by the party was causing "unrest" in the OBC leadership, and this, too, may be discussed with Delhi leaders.

Khadse belongs to the Leva Patil community, which is part of the Other Backward Class (OBC) category in the state.

Besides meeting Pawar, Khadse spoke over the phone with Maharashtra BJP in-charge Bhupendra Yadav.

Speaking to Marathi news channel 'ABP Majha', Khadse said, "I had received many offers to switch over earlier in my life, but never accepted one, and continued working for my party's expansion. However, after attaining power, I've been humiliated constantly and ignored as well."
Asked about the reason for meeting Pawar, Khadse said, "I met him with some irrigation-related issues. During the meeting, Pawar enquired about the defeat of my daughter from the Muktainagar (in his home district Jalgaon) Assembly seat."