Raju Shetty’s party on the verge of split, Khot group to join BJP
Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) is headed for a split as a group lead by its minister Sadabhau Khot will be joining BJP on May 29 in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Khot is the minister of state for agriculture (MoS) in Fadnavis government while his party leader Raju Shetti, who is a Member of Parliament (MP) is with Shiv Sena.
Shetti shared dais of Shiv Sena in the presence of Uddhav Thackeray, during the party's 'Agricultural gathering' in Nasik last week. Shetti's SSS is contesting Panvel Municipal Corporation election against BJP.
On the other hand, Khot has supported the BJP candidates in the Panvel corporation poll. He was with Fadnavis during the poll rally in Panvel and appealed
the people to vote in favour of BJP.
Khot refrained from joining the protest rally organised by his party leader Shetti which begun on Monday from Mumbai. The rally will concluded on June 9.
When asked about his political future, Khot said, “This is not the time to think about it. At present, I am a minister and will continue till the end of Fadnavis government’s term.”
Meanwhile, supporters of Khot will join BJP in the presence of Fadnavis on May 29. “I know, Shetti will not give political patronage to my supporters and hence I have instructed them to join BJP which is a safe for them,” Khot said.
Another leader of SSS has claimed that this is a clear indication of a split in the party. Shetti denied to speak about Khot and said that farmers are more important for him than Khot.
Madhu Chavan, BJP spokesperson said, “Being elected as a BJP legislator, Khot could take a stand against BJP.”
He further said, “BJP legislator can not be remain as president of another party.”
Shetti and Khot had left Sharad Joshi's Shetkari Sanghatana in 2004 to form the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana.