Maharashtra: Khadse Rules Out BJP Return

"I have no interest in joining the BJP now. I am with Sharad Pawar and will remain with him till the end," Khadse said.

The 74-year-old former BJP minister, who has been at the centre of recurring speculation over a possible homecoming, claimed Shah had called him to New Delhi and urged him to join the BJP. “When I met him, he asked me to join the BJP and told me to meet JP Nadda,” he said.

Khadse further claimed that the BJP leadership later informed him that local leaders were opposed to his induction as they feared it could affect the party’s prospects in Raver.

Khadse’s remarks come amid fresh speculation over his return after BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde reportedly met him in Mumbai ahead of his platinum jubilee celebrations.

Responding to the allegations, BJP leader Girish Mahajan denied playing any role in blocking Khadse'’s return. “How can I stop him from joining the BJP? If the central leadership gives the green signal, no one will have any objection,” Mahajan said.

Khadse, however, dismissed Mahajan’s remarks as “childish” and reiterated that recent meetings with BJP leaders were courtesy calls ahead of his platinum jubilee celebrations, not political discussions.

Khadse quit the BJP in October 2020 following differences with senior party leaders and later joined the Sharad Pawar-led NCP. He currently serves as an MLC from the NCP (SP).