Kalidas Kolambkar, 7-time Congress MLA, set to join BJP in Maharashtra

Kalidas Kolambkar, seven-time Congress MLA from the Wadala constituency in Mumbai, is set to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This comes as a big jolt for the Maharashtra Congress ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and after Maharashtra Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil’s son Sujay Vikhe Patil joined the BJP in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, speculations were rife about Kolambkar after banners featuring Fadnavis’ image were put up at his Dadar office, which is bang opposite to Congress’ Tilak Bhavan office. Kolambkar reportedly has said that he found the chief minister “very approachable” who had fulfilled the demands of his constituency, as reported by Times Now.

“I don’t want to remain in the Congress anymore. Fadnavis possesses strong will power for the development of the state,” The Asian Age quoted Kolambkar as saying.

 After joining the BJP, Sujay Vikhe Patil had said, “I've taken this decision against my father’s wishes. I don’t know how much my parents will support this decision, but I'll try my best to make my family proud by working under the guidance of BJP. CM & other BJP MLAs were supportive & helped me take the decision.”

While addressing the media, CM Devendra Fadanavis said, "Sujay Vikhe Patil's name has been forwarded by state unit to Central Parliamentary board for Lok Sabha candidature and we are sure that the recommended name will be accepted by the Central Parliamentary board."

Earlier, a functionary of the Amit Shah-led party had indicated that Sujay Vikhe Patil, son of senior Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil will join BJP on Tuesday. Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil is also the Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Assembly.

Sujay joined the BJP Tuesday in presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, a district BJP leader said earlier. The development follows the Sharad Pawar-led NCP spurning a request by Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil to leave aside the Ahmedanagar Lok Sabha seat for his son.