The exit of Eknath Khadse from the state cabinet resulted from a clash of egos.
Many may not believe, but it was just a story of clash of egos that resulted in the exit of veteran minister Eknath Khadse from the state Cabinet. While the entire masala was provided to the media from time to time to reach the pre-scripted end of the drama, it is obvious that this denouement would have a bearing on the government's functioning during the ensuing monsoon session starting from July 18.
First, Khadse had been vocal about the fact that despite being the chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis is junior to him. Even when Khadse was summoned by BJP state unit president Raosaheb Danve to the party office seeking an explanation 10 days ago, the minister told the media that it was Danve who had gone to meet him.
Just a few days before the resignation came in, Khadse had told media persons that he had never said that Fadnavis is a junior, but in the same breath, he added: "I am in public life for 40 years and an MLA for six terms, while Fadnavis is an MLA for just 15 years." Khadse in his private conversations with media persons always used to ask in sarcastic tone: "Kaay Mhanatayet Mukkhhyamantri", meaning, "how is your chief minister doing"?
Party insiders say that it is a result of rivalry between Khadse and Fadnavis and the CM had the last laugh. Interestingly, before Khadse resigned on Saturday, a few Fadnavis supporters were jokingly referring to him as a patient. "How is the patient? We are waiting for the news," they said. Within the Fadnavis loyalists' circle, it was a foregone conclusion that Khadse would be gone.
After Narayan Rane alleged that Khadse was made a victim because he is a Bahujan or a non-Brahmin, many seem to have believed in it. However, it is unlikely that voices will be raised against this decision.
Political analyst Dr Kumar Saptarshi said that it was the RSS which wanted to get rid of Khadse for the simple reason that he is a mass leader. Saptarshi said that RSS never likes such leaders since its Ekchalukanuwartitwa or unilateralism could be challenged by them. Saptarshi sites the case of late Gopinath Munde who was also forced to resign after clashes with Nitin Gadkari, who, according to him, was supported by RSS.
Party insiders say it will not be easy for the government for government during the monsoon session without Khadse. It was Khadse who used to take both Congress and NCP head on during any political crisis in both the Houses and used to reply ably. It would be an acid test for the government in absence of a seasoned leader like Khadse, claim Khadse's supporters.
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 "Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Khadse")
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