Will Eknath Khadse ‘return home’ to BJP? Distance with Fadnavis and meeting with Tawde increased the stir Will Eknath Khadse make a ‘ghar wapsi’ (return home) to the BJP? His distance from Fadnavis and meeting with Tawde have sparked speculation. – ..

Once again the name of old veteran leader Eknath Khadse has come into the center of discussion in Maharashtra politics. Khadse, who left BJP due to differences with Devendra Fadnavis, recently met the party’s national general secretary and senior leader Vinod Tawde. After this meeting, there is a lot of speculation in the political circles whether Eknath Khadse can once again join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)? Especially amidst the changing equations of OBC politics in the state, the possible return of Khadse is being seen as a big strategic step for the party.

Khadse’s return: What is the mathematics of OBC card?

Eknath Khadse is considered a prominent face of the OBC community in Maharashtra. When he left BJP, the party had suffered a major political loss in North Maharashtra (Khandesh). Now that the emphasis is on the upcoming elections in the state and strengthening of the organization, the BJP central leadership feels that the return of an experienced leader like Khadse can re-unite the OBC votebank. He has had long-standing disputes with Fadnavis, but this meeting with Tawde is being seen as a ‘broker’ effort towards resolving this old dispute.

Controversy with Fadnavis vs meeting with Tawde

Eknath Khadse had worked with Fadnavis for a long time, but later left the party due to serious differences. However, now in the changed political circumstances, the top leadership of BJP wants to take the angry leaders along. Khadse’s warm conversation with Vinod Tawde, who himself deeply understands Maharashtra politics, indicates that discussions on ‘Operation Ghar Wapsi’ have started within the party. If this meeting reaches any conclusion, it could prove to be a major reshuffle in Maharashtra BJP.

What will be the next strategy of the party?

Sources say that the central leadership of BJP has made up its mind to bring Khadse back into the mainstream. The question is that if Khadse comes back, how will he fit in with the Fadnavis camp? Khadse’s supporters have been demanding his return for a long time. This secret meeting with Tawde has further intensified all the speculations that BJP may soon make a big announcement to strengthen its OBC faces in Maharashtra. Those who keep an eye on the state politics believe that Khadse’s return will not only strengthen the BJP organizationally but can also create panic in the opposition camp.