They sell tickets in Sena : says Gajanan Babar as he quits Shiv Sena

Pune: Shiv Sena received yet another blow with its sitting MP from Maval Gajanan Babar leaving the party. Babar has resigned from the primary membership of the party after working for it for 45 years. Alleging that party tickets are sold Babar criticised Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray without naming him. “Balasaheb Thackeray’s Shiv Sena has come to an end with his demise,” he said. Babar is the sitting Maval MP and earlier was elected as the MLA twice before which he was the corporator in PCMC for three terms. He announced his decision at a press conference on Tuesday evening before which he mailed his resignation letter to Uddhav Thackeray. Interestingly, he was denied candidature as the party gave ticket from Maval to Shrirang Barane. Before Babar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure, sitting MP from Shirdi had deserted Sena to join Congress and Ganesh Dudhgavkar, the MP from Parbhani also has left Shiv Sena to join NCP. “There is a competition in Shiv Sena to purchase party tickets by paying huge money. Since I never took any money from anyone and do not give it too, I can’t be in the race for buying a party ticket,” he said. He added that purchasing power was becoming important in the party than loyalty and honesty. He said that Congress leaders who entered Shiv Sena five years ago have spoiled the party. He added, “I don’t go and touch anyone’s feet nor do I offer dinner and liquor to anyone. Shiv Sena is no more different than other parties where sycophancy is the practice.” He made it clear that he would never think of contesting on NCP ticket but would consider any other option. He said that he would contest as an independent if electorate puts a pressure on him since PCMC areas have more than 6 lakh voters.