BJP leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil claimed on Saturday that Maharashtra Congress chief and minister Balasaheb Thorat was contemplating joining the saffron party three years ago.
Vikhe Patil himself quit the Congress before the Assembly elections in the state this year and joined the BJP.
Both he and Thorat hail from Ahmednagar district, and are known to be bitter rivals.
Talking to reporters at Shirdi, Vikhe Patil said, "Thorat was thinking of joining the BJP some three years ago.
"What he has got today (a cabinet post) is by accident. He could not campaign outside his constituency during the Assembly polls," Vikhe Patil claimed.
Thorat, who is now revenue minister in the Shiv Sena- NCP-Congress government, was not available for comment.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app