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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray....

MPs rebellion ‘splits’ even some families

Mumbai: Amid the rebellion by 6 Shiv Sena (UBT) MPs, at least two of them have shot into the spotlight, but for entirely different and non-political reasons – Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar (Hingoli) and Sanjay Dina-Patil (Mumbai North-East). Despite their fathers currently in the process of shifting loyalties to the Shiv Sena headed by Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the son and daughter, respectively, of both these MPs have chosen to stay anchored firmly with SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray. They are Krishna Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar and Rajool Sanjay Patil and both are emerging politicians in their own right and with politically bright prospects. Rajool is a SS (UBT) Municipal Corporator from Ward No. 114 (Bhandup) in her father’ constituency, and Krishna is the official Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) candidate for the Nanded Local Authorities constituency in the Maharashtra Legislature’s upper house. However, the abrupt rebellion by their fathers - along with four other SS (UBT) MPs has raised question marks on their own loyalties and political moorings – with the MLCs election results scheduled on Monday. A Deputy Leader from Pune guardedly said that “the same norms under the anti-defection laws for parliament would apply” at all levels, preventing the duo (Krishna and Rajool) from following in their fathers’ footsteps. “After all, there are many examples where in the same family, different members owe allegiance to different political parties. They may have made their personal political calculations and survival before taking any plunge blindly in the name of ideology,” the leader told ‘The Perfect Voice’, requesting anonymity. A Mumbai leader averred that in case the political sand slips - for whatever reasons - in the ongoing defection drama, at least all in the family may not have to pay the price for a botch-up, as “these youngsters still have a long road ahead in politics”. On June 18, when Ashtikar’s name came among the six potential turncoats, Krishna faced an embarrassing situation as the MLC polling was underway that day. Krishna quickly mouthed bites to proclaim his allegiance to Thackeray and an equally bewildered Rajool - elected as a BMC corporator just six months ago - instantly declared her support to SS (UBT) and even joined a protest against her father’s decision. Both the youngsters confronting a peculiar family-cum-political divide put up brave faces and publicly claimed that they had “absolutely no inkling” of the political coup currently underway and are firmly with Thackeray. For the present, however, the SS (UBT) camp is somewhat relieved that the damage caused by the proposed exit of the 6 MPs has not percolated to their family members, affording it time to take some proactive measures to prevent a similar scenario in the coming times. SS (UBT) Deputy Leader dares MP’s son A skeptical SS (UBT) Deputy Leader Sushma Andhare and others immediately pounced on Krishna Ashtikar, questioning the credibility of his words after his father and party MP from Hingoli Nagesh Patil-Ashtikar’s plans to switch sides. “Go and perform your father’s funeral rituals (pind-daan) immediately to prove your claims that you are different from your father…” a livid Andhare dared Krishna, who retorted by saying that he is “answerable only to the SS (UBT) supremo and none else”.

BJP’s Marathwada Face

Raosaheb Danve-Patil.

Marathwada is the crucial region for the BJP in this 2024 assembly election. After the Maratha quota agitation caused much damage to the party in Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, the party is worried about its performance in Marathwada and the only hope it has rests on the shoulders of former union minister and former state unit president of the party Raosaheb Danve-Patil.


Born in a traditionally landlord family of Bhokardan in Jalna district of Marathwada on March 18, 1955, Raosaheb Danve-Patil’s political journey began in the early 1980s when he joined the BJP. He was among the first few electoral success stories of the political party which was known for principled politics back then. Building up his career from the Sarpanch to Panchayat Samiti, ZP and the assembly Danve-Patil has been elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Jalna constituency multiple times, showcasing his strong support base in the region.


In the internal party dynamics, he always sided with Gopinath Munde, who had his roots in Maharashtra. After sudden death of Munde, Danve-Patil’s political career took a big leap. Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the Narendra Modi-led government. But was made the state unit president of BJP when the party was firmly in the power at centre as well as the state. During his leadership, he played a crucial role in strengthening the party’s organizational structure and expanding its reach across the state. His efforts were instrumental in the BJP’s success in various elections, including the 2019 Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections, where the party emerged as the single largest party.


Danve’s political career is filled with controversies. He has faced allegations of corruption and misuse of power, which have led to legal battles and investigations. Recently his video went viral over the social media where he is seen kicking a supporter to push him out of the camera frame. However, being a good organizer and a leader with ground connect such controversies have hardly affected him.


After being re-elected to parliament In 2019, Danve-Patil became the Minister of State for Railways. He toiled for improving the railway infrastructure in the state and especially the Marathwada region. However, that didn’t help him win 2024 Lok Sabha.


Danve’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He is known for his extensive tours of his constituency, where he interacts directly with the people, listens to their grievances, and works towards addressing their issues. His down-to-earth personality and dedication to public service have earned him a loyal following.

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