Nationalist Congress Party(NCP) MLA Deepak Keskar from Konkan region is likely to join Shiv Sena soon. Keskar was not happy with the NCP leadership which was forcing him to cooperate and work under the state industrial minister Narayan Rane.
Keskar is an arch-rival of Rane. Earlier too, he had also refused to campaign for Rane's son in the recent Lok Sabha elections. Keskar had built up his entire career by opposing Rane's dictatorship and dominating-style of functioning. So, he does not want to succumb and compromise for the MLA post.
When dna contacted Keskar, he was not available for comment. However, sources close to Keskar have revealed that in the upcoming state assembly elections Keskar will have to adjust with Rane and may have to work under his leadership. "Therefore, it is better to leave the party and join Sena which also strongly opposes Narayan Rane's dictatorship. On July 18, Keskar may join Sena with his loyalists," the source said, requesting anonymity.
According to an NCP leader, they had already issued a show-cause notice to Keskar for his anti-party activities during the Lok Sabha elections. Keskar had worked against the official Congress-NCP candidate and helped the Sena candidate.
"We have also asked Keskar, why he should not expelled from the party. And, the expelling process is in the final stage. So, there is no question of Keskar, leaving the party. On the contrary, the party is expelling him," said senior NCP leader who requested anonymity.
On the other hand, Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has also said that he is ready to take the various other party leaders in Sena's fold. "I welcome them who had left the Sena for some or other reasons in past. I do not want to keep any acrimony. But the condition is that they should join Sena soon," Thackeray added.
Besides, there was also buzz that state public works department minister and senior NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal will also join the Sena ahead of state polls. However, Bhujbal had dismissed the report saying that he is still with NCP and not going anywhere.
The NCP leader said these are the pressure tatics used by Bhujbal ahead of every elections. "It is nothing but black-mailing to get more importance in party. We are sure that Bhujbal is senior leader and he will not leave the party," he said.
Top sources said that huge efforts have been put to bring both Raj and Uddhav Thackeray together before the state polls. "If they put up a joint fight, then it will ensure 100% victory for Sena-BJP in the state assembly elections. We are working out the modalities so both Raj and Uddhav egos will be massaged and each one will get the right position in party. So, no one will be hurt. If it happens as per the plan, then many more senior Congress-NCP leaders and sitting MLAs will join the Sena ahead of state polls," source added who requested anonymity.
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