Sadabhau hints at quitting SSS, may launch new party

I will organise gathering of party workers once monsoon session gets over. Ten supporters from each district are expected to join the gathering somewhere near Mumbai. Later, I will take decision about future steps

Swabhimani Shetakri Sanghatana (SSS) leader and minister of state for agriculture Sadabhau Khot has given indication to quit the party. He would be on a statewide tour after monsoon session to meet party workers and take decision whether to launch new party.

Meanwhile, three-member enquiry committee of SSS asked Khot to resign from the state government which he refused to do.

Raju Shetti, Member of Parliament and president of SSS has appointed threemember ‘Sadabhau enquiry committee’ to enquire about alleged antiparty activities led by MoS Khot after he became minister in the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government.

The committee, headed by Dashrath Sawant, told Khot that BJP government has cheated farmers by not implementing recommendations of Swaminathan Commission. In such situation, how can Khot remain in BJP government. In his reply, Khot said that Swaminathan commission issue is related to Centre and the party (SSS) must push this issue with the Centre.

“If SSS leaders feel, BJP did unfair with the party, why you allies with BJP in Kolhapur Zilla Parishad and accepted post of vicepresident?” Khot questioned.

Khot has clarified that being minister, he stood behind state government’s policy and decision.

“I took initiative in farmers strike to protect them from being arrested or lathicharge. In fact, the issue was sorted out without losing blood,” said Khot. He added that as SSS is an old ally of BJP, he campaigned for BJP candidates in Panvel Municipal Corporation poll.

While speaking with FPJ, Khot said, “I will organise gathering of party workers once monsoon session gets over. Ten supporters from each district are expected to join the gathering somewhere near Mumbai. Later, I will take decision about future steps.” He said that chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has assured him about his being part of cabinet despite whatever will be the decision of SSS.