Exclusive: Khadse Keen For Lok Sabha, However Health Condition Affects The Move
Tikam Shekhawat & Mubarak Ansari
Mumbai/Jalgaon, 6th March 2024: Eknath Khadse, a senior politician and current Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from the former united Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has expressed his interest in contesting from Lok Sabha seat of Raver through the ‘NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar’ party on multiple occasions.
However, in an exclusive interview with Punekar News today, he disclosed the challenges he faces due to his current medical condition. He expressed his eagerness to contest from the Raver constituency but mentioned that his doctors have not yet cleared him for election campaigning, citing the need for numerous rallies, speeches, and engagements within the constituency. Khadse revealed that he has blockages in two of his arteries, each with over 70% blockage, and expects confirmation from his doctors about his health condition’s readiness for the election in the coming days.
When asked if he intends to return to the BJP, Khadse firmly denied such plans. Regarding his consistent criticism of Devendra Fadnavis in recent years and sudden silence in the last couple of months, he stated that his current health condition restricts him from engaging in speeches and rallies. However, he holds no grudges against anyone.
In 2020, after a 40-year association with the BJP, Khadse left the party to join the unified NCP due to internal conflicts with Fadnavis. He emphasized that his departure was prompted by issues with Fadnavis rather than any grievances with the central leadership or the BJP. Khadse, a prominent BJP leader from North Maharashtra, hails from the Leva Patil community, which holds significant influence in the region. In November 2023, he suffered a heart attack and was airlifted to Mumbai for treatment.
Meanwhile, in January 2024, the political landscape in Jalgaon saw significant changes with the movement of Ulhas Patil, a long-time Congress loyalist, to the BJP. Additionally, Dr. Ketaki Patil, daughter of former Congress MP Dr. Ulhas Patil, joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), creating a significant blow to the Congress in Maharashtra. Her potential candidacy for Lok Sabha may impact the prospects of incumbent MP Raksha Khadse.
