Shiv Sena district chief Swapnil Galdhar (seen with party chief Eknath Shinde) wants the Maratha activist to cancel his proposed Dasara gathering at Narayan Gad.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A political showdown is brewing in Beed ahead of the Oct 20 Dasara rally at Narayan Gad, with Shiv Sena district chief Swapnil Galdhar openly challenging Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange and warning him against targeting deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde .
“If you speak against Eknath Shinde, you will get a befitting reply,” Galdhar said, signalling an increasingly aggressive stance by Shinde-led Shiv Sena towards Jarange, who has stepped up his criticism of the deputy CM in recent months. Questioning the need for the event, Galdhar said the focus should instead be on drought-hit farmers in the region. “Do something for farmers suffering because of drought, but do not hold Jarange’s Dasara rally,” he said.
Political circles are linking Galdhar’s change in stance to recent developments within Sena. Minister Bharat Gogawale recently visited Beed and is believed to have issued firm instructions to district leaders during a closed-door meeting amid Jarange’s criticism of Shinde.
Though there is no official confirmation of any connection between that meeting and Galdhar’s subsequent remarks, his sharp attack on Jarange has fuelled speculation that the party may be adopting a tougher line against the Maratha activist ahead of the rally.
The war of words intensified on Wednesday after Jarange’s supporters alleged that Galdhar had received Rs 20 crore to oppose the Dasara gathering.
Dismissing the charge, Galdhar said, “We did not make money by fooling the Maratha community. Let them come with proof.”