Latest news with #Badgujar
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Functionaries fret as Bawankule welcomes members from oppn parties
Nashik: BJP functionaries keen to contest local body elections have expressed concern over state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday indicating there will be no restrictions on members from opposition parties wanting to cross over. A senior BJP functionary said, "The party president has seemingly ignored protests by Nashik city unit chief Sunil Kedar and Nashik West MLA Seema Hiray on Wednesday regarding UBT's dismissed deputy leader Sudhakar Badgujar's potential inclusion into the party fold. If this is the behaviour, will seniors even consider resistance by our ground workers?" Another BJP functionary, who is an aspirant to the local body poll, was unnerved about similar entries happening in the future. "It is possible that with Badgujar, Ganesh Gite — who contested against BJP candidate and MLA Rahul Dhikale in Nashik East — will also seek entry. Badgujar and Gite will not come alone — and that is the real issue. We will have to compete with these imports and it is unacceptable. We have been striving for the party's development for long years," he said. A possible contender from Nashik East said BJP officials are stating openly that local body election belongs to functionaries and that aspirants will receive backing. He said, "We don't see that happening though. Our leaders may argue that they are undecided whether or not to include rebels from other parties, but will they ever take us grassroot-level workers into confidence while making a decision with such high stakes?" Kedar said Bawankule had sounded out party officebearers. "We took a stand and that was conveyed to party seniors, who will make calculated decisions," he said, adding that, "The very essence of democracy is the head count based on which elections are contested and won. Govt and local bodies can be formed for development of the respective areas of various politicians only if one wins the election. Besides, the party is willing to accept people comfortable with BJP's work culture. " On Thursday, BJP conducted a divisional-level workshop in Nashik. Bawankule said the party was looking forward to more than 100 seats in the 122-member Nashik civic body. He also said the election will be contested as Mahayuti. "Functionaries should not worry about strategies, but focus on work. The party will take care of their political career," he added. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Our doors are open for Badgujar: Bawankule
Nashik: Despite significant internal opposition, including from Nashik West MLA Seema Hiray and other BJP functionaries, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule has indicated that the door remains open for Sudhakar Badgujar — the recently expelled Shiv Sena (UBT) deputy leader — to join the saffron party. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Badgujar had been accused by the BJP of being anti-national after purported video clips surfaced showing him with 1993 Mumbai Bomb Blast convict Salim Kutta. However, Bawankule, speaking in Nashik at a workshop for over 550 party office-bearers from the Nashik division, asserted that an individual is not a criminal until proven so in a court of law. When asked about Badgujar potentially joining the party, Bawankule said, "The doors are open to all those who want to join the party." He acknowledged the existing "bitterness, misgivings, and misunderstandings" between Badgujar and current BJP leaders, citing their past electoral contest in the assembly elections. Bawankule added that he and Girish Mahajan were "looking into the matter". He emphasized that no deadline had been set for a decision on Badgujar's inclusion. "It will take time. After all, the party is striving for the development of society and the country, and we want to increase the party bases. We will decide appropriately and accordingly if anybody wants to join us without any conditions," Bawankule said. In response to the question that party functionaries felt accepting Badgujar into the party fold would malign the party image, Bawankule said, "Making allegations against a person is one thing, and conviction by the court is another. I personally believe that no one should judge any person based on allegations." Regarding the Thackeray brothers coming together, Bawankule said the party has nothing to do with their decision, especially when the Mahayuti is stronger than ever.
Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Decode Politics: Allegations of Dawood links to being courted by BJP, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader sparks Maharashtra row
In December 2023, the BJP launched a strong offensive against Sudhakar Badgujar, then the Nashik unit chief of the Shiv Sena (UBT), over his alleged links to the Dawood Ibrahim gang. On Monday, Badgujar was seen meeting Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a move that triggered an immediate backlash from both the local BJP and the Sena (UBT) that moved fast to suspend Badgujar following the meeting. The BJP, which previously pursued multiple inquiries against Badgujar for his purported underworld connections, now finds itself facing internal dissent. BJP workers and lower-level leaders have expressed strong opposition to the prospect of the Sena leader's induction, viewing the leadership's sudden engagement with him, aimed at bolstering the BJP's position ahead of the civic elections, as a betrayal of its stated principles. * Who is Sudhakar Badgujar? Till this March, the 55-year-old Badgujar served as the Sena (UBT)'s Nashik district unit chief and Deputy Leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT). His political career began in 2007 when he was elected as an independent corporator in the Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC). At the time, Sena corporator Vinayak Pandey became Mayor with the backing of independents, of whom Badgujar was one. This early alliance marked the beginning of his association with the Shiv Sena. Badgujar formally joined the party on June 14, 2008, in the presence of senior leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut. He quickly rose through the ranks. From 2009 to 2012, he served as the Leader of the House in the NMC, and after the corporation came under the control of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, he served as the Leader of the Opposition from 2012 to 2015. He contested the Nashik West Assembly constituency twice, first in 2014 on a Shiv Sena ticket, and again in 2024 for the Sena (UBT), but lost both times to the BJP's Seema Hiray. Despite electoral setbacks, Badgujar has remained a constant presence in local politics, serving as a corporator for over 15 years. Also known as a successful contractor with substantial financial clout, he has maintained close ties with Sanjay Raut and is one of the few well-resourced leaders in Nashik who remained loyal to Thackeray following the split in the Shiv Sena. * What were the BJP's allegations against Badgujar? In December 2023, BJP MLA Nitesh Rane accused Badgujar of associating with convicted Dawood aide Mohammed Salim Mira Shaikh — known in Mumbai underworld circles as Salim Kutta, he had once urged a TADA court to drop the offensive epithet from court records — who was a key figure in the 1993 Mumbai bomb blasts. Rane alleged that Badgujar had hosted the gangster at his farmhouse in Nashik. Following these allegations, the Nashik Police registered an FIR against Badgujar under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted to probe the matter. An externment order was later issued against Badgujar, which he legally challenged. In the run-up to the Maharashtra Assembly elections that he contested on a Sena (UBT) ticket, the Sena leader was at the centre of another row when his son Deepak was booked under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in connection with a 2021 murder case. Badgujar lost the election. The veteran leader has been treading cautiously since the Fadnavis-led government came to power, leaving his political future open-ended. With the BJP entrusting Nashik's political affairs to minister Girish Mahajan, a close confidant of the CM, Badgujar began re-evaluating his allegiance to the Sena (UBT). Speculation about his growing proximity to the BJP intensified after reports of frequent backchannel communication with Mahajan. It was his Monday meeting with Fadnavis during the latter's visit to Nashik that signalled a possible realignment. Although Badgujar later downplayed the significance of the meeting, claiming it was solely to discuss issues affecting NMC workers, the political fallout was swift. Within 24 hours of the meeting, Sena (UBT) expelled him from the party. * Why does the BJP want Badgujar, and how has the local unit responded? The BJP is looking for a strategic advantage in Nashik ahead of the municipal corporation elections, where it came to power in 2017 after a strong performance. While Badgujar may not enjoy the stature of a major state leader, he is regarded as a shrewd operator with a strong grasp of the political machinery at the civic level in Nashik. His financial clout and influence on local dynamics make him a potentially valuable asset for the BJP in its bid to retain control of the NMC. However, his potential entry into the BJP has triggered discontent in the local BJP. Nashik West MLA Seema Hiray is among those opposed to Badgujar joining the party. 'There has been no discussion on Badgujar joining our party. I have contested against him twice. He has harassed our workers and made objectionable remarks about our leaders. We have urged our senior leadership not to induct such a person into the party,' she said. Despite the local resistance, the BJP's state leadership appears to be weighing the broader political benefits. Asked about it, Girish Mahajan offered a measured response: 'Every party works towards expanding its base. We, too, are doing the same. However, no final decision has been taken as of now.' As the party deliberates, Badgujar remains in a wait-and-watch mode, awaiting the green light. 'I will decide on my political future soon,' he said.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
2 Sena (UBT) leaders out of party in one day
MUMBAI: Ahead of the local body polls, the defection from the Shiv Sena (UBT) is continuing apace. On Wednesday, two key leaders exited the party: Nashik leader Sudhakar Badgujar who was expelled by Uddhav Thackeray, and Chandrahar Patil, who is set to join the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. Significantly, Thackeray had risked the alliance with the Congress during the Lok Sabha polls to ensure that Patil was the MVA candidate from Sangli. Badgujar was expelled on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after he began showing signs of rebellion. The announcement of his expulsion was dramatic, made in a press conference by district chief D G Suryawanshi after Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut called the party leaders addressing the press conference and informed them about the decision to expel Badgujar. It all began on Monday when Badgujar—till recently known as a close aide of Raut and appointed as the party's state level deputy leader—met Devendra Fadnavis, who was on a Nashik tour. The next day, Badgujar launched an attack on the Sena (UBT) leadership by expressing displeasure about the recent restructuring in the party. 'It's not just me—more than 10 leaders in Nashik are upset with the new appointments in the party organisations,' he said, fuelling speculation about major defections from the Thackeray-led party. It was against this backdrop that Shiv Sena (UBT) Nashik district chief Suryavanshi, along with other office-bearers, addressed a press conference and claimed that there was no unhappiness in the party over the new appointments. But even as the press conference was on, former district chief Datta Gaikwad received a phone call from Sanjay Raut, telling him about Badgujar's expulsion from the party. Suryavanshi announced this promptly. Reacting to his expulsion, Badgujar said, 'It's unfortunate that I have been expelled from the party for revealing the unrest in the party over a new appointment. Not only me, other leaders were too unhappy with the decision of the party leadership.' There is speculation that Badgujar will join the BJP, and some other leaders from Nashik will join the Shinde-led Sena. Chandrahar Patil, on the other hand, jolted the Sena (UBT) with a public announcement on social media. 'I have an offer from Dy CM Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena to join the party. At present I am out of town and will decide on joining Shinde after consulting my supporters soon,' he said in his post on X. Shiv Sena leader and minister Sanjay Shirsat claimed that Chandrahar Patil would soon leave Thackeray and join Shinde. Patil was inducted into the party by Sanjay Raut, and insisted on contesting the Sangli Lok Sabha seat despite the party having no strength in Sangli and the Congress having better opportunities. Uddhav Thackeray had made the election a prestige issue although the seat was eventually won by Congress rebel Vishal Patil while Chandrahar Patil finished a poor third.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UBT's deputy leader Badgujar expelled
Nashik: Shiv Sena (UBT)'s deputy leader Sudhakar Badgujar was expelled on Wednesday for anti-party activities. Saha samparka pramukh of UBT's Nashik district unit Datta Gaikwad made the announcement during a press conference at the party's office in the city on Wednesday. He said party MP Sanjay Raut had called him to inform about Badgujar's expulsion. UBT's Nashik district chief DG Suryavanshi also called a press conference on Wednesday, but Badgujar did not attend it. On Monday, Badgujar had met chief minister Devendra Fadnavis during his visit to Nashik city, leading to speculations in the political circles. Badgujar, who is also the president of the Nashik Municipal Sena Employees Association, had clarified that he had met the CM to seek recruitment of staff for vacant posts in the Nashik Municipal Corporation in view of the upcoming Simhastha Kumbh Mela. He had said the party's senior leaders were informed about the meeting. On Tuesday, Badgujar told reporters that he and party city chief Vilas Shinde as well as 12 former corporators of the party were disappointed after the district committee was restructured without taking them into confidence. Badgujar's statement sparked rumours that he and the 12 former corporators of UBT might join the BJP . Resultantly, taking serious cognisance of the development and speculations, the party expelled Badgujar. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubre cómo Amazon CFD puede ayudarte a invertir como un pro Empezar ahora Subscríbete Undo When contacted after the expulsion, Badgujar told TOI that if expressing disappointment with the party was a crime and the punishment expulsion, then he accepts it. Badgujar avoided commenting on his future plans. Suryavanshi said the decision to expel Badgujar was taken by the party leadership for his anti-party activities. He also criticised BJP minister Girish Mahajan, who said that UBT would receive a severe jolt in the next eight days and the party would soon become history. Suryavanshi said the party had seen many struggles over the last 50 years and would always survive. Meanwhile, during a press conference on Wednesday, BJP MLA from Nashik West constituency Seema Hiray spoke against Badgujar joining BJP. She said there are 17 offences against the politician and he had strongly criticised BJP leadership during the election. "I have requested BJP senior politicians that Badgujar should not be allowed to join the party," she said. In the state poll held last year, Hiray defeated Badgujar who had contested from Nashik West constituency on a UBT ticket. Nashik city chief of Shiv Sena Pravin Tidme alleged that Badgujar wanted to join BJP to get contracts for works related to the Kumbh mela. BOX UBT's city chief denies joining Sena UBT's Nashik city chief Vilas Shinde on Wednesday said he was not joining deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena. He said speculations have been rife for the last one month, but he was a Shiv Sainik of the UBT. Deputy CM Shinde's attendance at the wedding function of Vilas Shinde's daughter on Monday had sparked discussions that Vilas may join Sena. Vilas said he had been hoping to be made UBT's district chief after the success of the party in the Lok Sabha polls, but Suryavanshi got the appointment in March. "I welcomed Suryavanshi as the district chief. I am a party worker and obey orders given by the party chief," he added.
