Maharashtra: Senas continue to clash over drug lord’s political affiliation

PWD Minister Dada Bhuse (left). File Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

Shiv Sena (UBT) has planned a march in Nashik on Friday to demand the resignation of PWD Minister Dada Bhuse and Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai (both Shinde Sena), alleging that the ministers had helped a drug kingpin Lalit Patil to flee from a hospital in Pune on October 2 this year. The ruling rival faction alleged that Patil was still a member of the Thackeray faction.

Bhuse is also the Nashik guardian minister. He and Desai were named by Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare, who said that Bhuse had brought Patil to Uddhav Thackeray's Mumbai residence. Arrested by the Mumbai Police, Patil had told the media persons in a Mumbai court on Wednesday that he would reveal the names of the people who made him escape and assisted in executing the act. Senior Sena (UBT) leaders will participate in the march.

Excise Minister Shambhuraj Desai (second from left). File Pic/Atul Kamble

Both Bhuse and Desai have denied the allegations and said they were ready to face an investigation. Bhuse said he would even undergo a narco test as demanded by Andhare. He reiterated his resolve on Thursday as well.

Sena (UBT) leader stands firm

Andhare did not relent and refused to backtrack or tender an apology as demanded by the rival faction ministers. Referring to Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis's statement that the inquiry would silence accusers, she said she wanted to know the way her mouth would be shut. "Please don't threaten me. I have sought information from you. Don't forget that you are not a party leader but the leader of Maharashtra," she said in Nagpur where she was to address a public rally later on Thursday evening.

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Sanjay Raut of the Sena (UBT) accused Fadnavis of using the drug case for political purposes. "Lalit Patil is just a pawn that is being controlled by a mastermind. Drugs have been seized from various places in Maharashtra, and as home minister, Fadnavis should speak about it and act to check the menace. Instead, he is misusing the matter for political purposes. Nashik and its surrounding areas have drugs available in ample quantity. There is a conspiracy to destroy Maharashtra. We are going to take out a protest warning march in Nashik to demand the resignations of Bhuse and Desai," he said.

Lalit Patil, the drug kingpin

Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Vijay Wadettiwar predicted the resignation of at least two ministers. "We will not leave the matter easily. At least two ministers will have to go," he told media persons.

‘Patil a Sena (UBT) member'

Deputy Chairperson of the Legislative Council Neelam Gorhe gave the matter a dramatic turn, saying that Lalit Patil was still a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT). "Lalit Patil was inducted into Thackeray's Shiv Sena in 2016. It was Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut's responsibility to verify the credentials of the persons who were taken into the party's fold. Lalit Patil hasn't resigned from the party yet," she said.

Oct 2
Day Patil escaped from hospital