Pune: Unhappy with BJP, Sanjay Kakade plans to join Congress
Sarang Dastane | TNN | Updated: Mar 11, 2019, 09:06 IST
Sanjay KakadePUNE: Sanjay Kakade, an associate Rajya Sabha MP of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Sunday announced his plans to join the Congress and work as per Rahul Gandhi's instructions.
Kakade enjoys sizeable support from BJP corporators and has a huge following among the party workers. Therefore, his declaration to distance himself from the BJP will be a jolt to the saffron party ahead of the general elections.
Kakade was in touch with the Congress leadership over the past few days to seek a ticket for the Pune Lok Sabha seat after it became certain that he would not be the BJP's first choice for Pune.
On Sunday, while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a function, Kakade said he had meetings with the Congress leaders.
Kakade set to join Congress, work for party
Considering the existing situation, I have decided that I will soon join the Congress,” he said.
The MP said he failed to get “respect” from a few local and state-level BJP leaders , which prompted his decision. He said he was not joining the Congress for a poll ticket, but to work for the party.
A prominent builder, Kakade is known to be close to the chief minister. Sources said Kakade — who has money power — had correctly predicted the BJP’s clean sweep in the PMC and also the party’s loss of seats in Gujarat. Kakade had played a key role in the party’s thumping win in the 2017 civic elections. His exit could pose a challenge for the BJP as Kakade, a Maratha leader, has a following among BJP Maratha corporators. Congress would hope that Kakade’s supporters will distance themselves from campaigning for BJP candidate.
Kakade’s candidature, however, has been opposed by Congress leaders who have requested the party’s high command to pick own candidates over “imported” leaders.
Kakade enjoys sizeable support from BJP corporators and has a huge following among the party workers. Therefore, his declaration to distance himself from the BJP will be a jolt to the saffron party ahead of the general elections.
Kakade was in touch with the Congress leadership over the past few days to seek a ticket for the Pune Lok Sabha seat after it became certain that he would not be the BJP's first choice for Pune.
On Sunday, while speaking to media persons on the sidelines of a function, Kakade said he had meetings with the Congress leaders.
Kakade set to join Congress, work for party
Considering the existing situation, I have decided that I will soon join the Congress,” he said.
The MP said he failed to get “respect” from a few local and state-level BJP leaders , which prompted his decision. He said he was not joining the Congress for a poll ticket, but to work for the party.
A prominent builder, Kakade is known to be close to the chief minister. Sources said Kakade — who has money power — had correctly predicted the BJP’s clean sweep in the PMC and also the party’s loss of seats in Gujarat. Kakade had played a key role in the party’s thumping win in the 2017 civic elections. His exit could pose a challenge for the BJP as Kakade, a Maratha leader, has a following among BJP Maratha corporators. Congress would hope that Kakade’s supporters will distance themselves from campaigning for BJP candidate.
Kakade’s candidature, however, has been opposed by Congress leaders who have requested the party’s high command to pick own candidates over “imported” leaders.
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