Kharge placates Gavit after latter's son snubbed for LS poll

Congress general secretary Mallikarjun Kharge Saturday met senior leader Manikrao Gavit after the latter threatened to quit the party over the choice of candidate for the Nandurbar Lok Sabha seat.

Gavit is a nine-time MP from Nandurbar though he was trounced by 1.06 lakh votes by the BJP's Heena Gavit in the 2014 general elections.

Gavit had wanted the Congress ticket for his son Bharat but the party refused to pay heed and fielded MLA K C Padvi.

Nandurbar goes to polls in the fourth phase on April 23.

In a statement, Gavit said Kharge had assured him that he and his family would be taken into confidence while deciding candidates for the Assembly elections and future local bodies polls.

Kharge also asked Gavit to trust him and the party.

Gavit said he had asked Kharge why his son Bharat was not considered for Lok Sabha nomination.

"I assured Kharge that I enjoy good relations with the Gandhi family since the time of Indira Gandhi and will never leave the party or work against its interests," Gavit said in a recorded statement released by the state Congress.