More trouble for Devendra Fadnavis? After failure to form the government, now he faces the ire of senior party leaders (File photo)

The rift within the senior echelons of Maharashtra BJP has come out in open as party bigwigs like Eknath Khadse and Pankaja Munde have slammed the party leadership in the state for 'their undemocratic ways'.

The occasion was 70th birth anniversary of Gopinath Munde.

Unhappy BJP leaders like Eknath Khadse, ex-MLC Pasha Patel, former minister Prakash Mehta, Baban Rao Lonikar, alliance partner RSP chief Mahadeo Jankar - who are not happy with state BJP leadership including Devendra Fadnavis - took this opportunity to bring out their 'Mann Ki Baat'.

Eknath Khadse claimed that he was instrumental in Devendra Fadnavius being appointed as the leader of the opposition, but in turn, he was not treated properly.

During his 25 minutes-long speech, he even hinted that he might go form another outfit.

Mahadeo Janakar said that he too felt that senior BJP leaders in Maharashtra were being dealt with unfairly and BJP senior leaders at the centre should immediately look into it and take corrective measures.

Eknath Khadse claimed that Pankaja Munde, Gopinath Munde's daughter, did not loose 2019 assembly elections. He said that there were a systematic plan and conspiracy to defeat her and it was planned by an internal member, for which the BJP is answerable.

Chandrakant Patil, the state BJP President who was also present at the event, tried to pacify the angry leaders and douse off the fiery speeches.

Patil said that if BJP had done anything wrong or any leader had taken any wrong decision, it should be taken up in an internal meeting. "Bringing the internal fights and differences in open is not good for the party."

He advised all of the dissatisfied leaders present at this public rally to avoid indulging in giving statements which will widen the cracks.

The state party president told the leaders that their grievances and complaints will be taken care of, "but when they will see that it was not the party's fault, that time these leaders will repent for having said such irreparable words for the party and state party leadership."

Pankaja Munde also claimed that lately, the BJP in Maharashtra has been functioning undemocratically, decisions are taken without anybody's consideration. This, she says, forced her to resign from all party posts. And she won't accept any further position until it changes, she said.

Pankaja Munde went on to ask the public if they think she should be given the post of leader of opposition in the state legislative council.

She, whoever, assured the party and people that she will not rebel against BJP. At the end of her speech, Pankaja Munde that she is not going to give up, she will fight it out and get her right and position in the party.



