Maharashtra: Cong MLA and VBA spokesperson joins BJP before elections

In another major blow for the Congress Party ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Election 2019, Shirole constituency sitting MLA Kashiram Pawara of Congress and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) spokesperson Gopichand Padalkar have joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today in the presence of CM Devendra Fadnavis and State party head Chandrakant Patil. Talking about the ongoing seat tussles in the various parts of the state, many sitting MLAs are wanting to be in the ruling government and all candidates are of the view that the BJP-Shivsena alliance will get another 5 years of power.

Gopichand Padalkar: "Only BJP can give justice to the people of our country"

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis while addressing media and party worker says, “I’m very happy that Gopichand Padalkar is back with BJP. He has always worked for Dhangar community people.” CM further declared that “I want that Gopichand should contest the Maharashtra Assembly elections from Baramati constituency.” Gopichand Padalkar speaking to Republic TV said, “Earlier I’ve worked with BJP as a leader. Fadnavis is like a God gift to Maharashtra. In 2014, I’ve contested Vidhan Sabha election from BJP. after which I left the party and used words against BJP. In the end, I got to know that only BJP can give justice to the people of our country. I’m ready to fulfil whatever responsibility is given to me.”

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Many differences in the opposition parties

He further stated, “I’ve come from the VBA. There is no difference between me and VBA or Prakash Ambedkar. I am making this very clear. However, for my people, BJP is doing many things. For the betterment of Maharashtra, we should all support BJP. For our samaj, CM Devendra Fadnavis has accepted all demands." The inclination of the candidates towards the saffron alliance has been very evident over the past few months not only because of the alliance but also because of the continuous infighting in the opposition ranks. It will be interesting to see how the incoming leaders are accommodated because tickets cannot be given to all incoming candidates. However, this is a clear indication of all not being well in the opposition parties and their ranks. Right from leadership issues, to infighting and continuous differences these 5 years have been a struggle for the NCP, Congress, VBA and other opposition parties alike.

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