NAGPUR:  Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will make a decision regarding the re-induction of former party leader Eknath Khadse after the ongoing Ganesh festival ends with the 'Ganesh Visarjan' on Tuesday. This statement comes amid growing speculation about Khadse’s potential return to the party he once helped establish in the state.

Fadnavis’s remarks were made during a press conference where he addressed the media’s inquiries about Khadse’s status. The Deputy CM emphasized that the party’s central leadership would deliberate on the matter following the festival, which is a major cultural event in Maharashtra. “The decision on Khadse’s re-entry will be taken after Ganesh Visarjan,” Fadnavis stated, indicating that the party is currently focused on the festivities.

Eknath Khadse, who has been vocal about his desire to return to the BJP, expressed frustration over the prolonged wait for a decision from the party leadership. He has been a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics and previously served as a senior minister in the state government. His departure from the BJP in 2020 was marked by allegations of corruption and a fallout with party leadership, particularly with Fadnavis.

While Khadse has publicly stated his eagerness to rejoin the BJP, he has also pointed fingers at Fadnavis and other party leaders, claiming they have obstructed his return. This tension highlights the complexities within the party as it navigates internal dynamics and the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Political analysts suggest that Khadse’s re-entry could bolster the BJP’s position in North Maharashtra, where he holds considerable influence. However, the party must carefully consider the implications of his return, especially given the controversies surrounding his previous tenure.

In 1995, Khadse was considered very close to then-deputy CM and BJP leader Gopinath Munde first became a minister in Manohar Joshi’s state cabinet and again later when Narayan Rane became Chief minister. In 2016, Khadse resigned as revenue minister following allegations of corruption and misuse of office. In the 2019 Maharashtra assembly polls, BJP dropped his name from the candidate’s list for the assembly polls.