Likely to join Eknath Shinde group
Former Maharashtra Minister for Women and Child Development and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Babanrao Gholap resigned from primary membership of the party on Thursday (Feb 15) putting an end to speculation about his plan to leave the party. Although Gholap has not announced his plan, but is expected to join the Shiv Sena’s Eknath Shinde group.
Gholap said that he has worked honestly for the party, but was suddenly removed from the post of Chief of Shirdi Parliamentary Constituency as a no0n-active leader. Those who replaced me were removed for being non-active members of the party.
Gholap was minister in Manohar Joshi’s cabinet and played an important role in expanding the party base in his region. He was five times elected MLA from Deolali Assembly constituency. He was also instrumental in bringing in prominent leaders from Congress to Shiv Sena. He was not happy with the entry of ex-MP Bhausaheb Wakchoure in the party.
On Thursday Gholap tendered a single-line resignation from the Shiv Sena (UBT).