Daijiworld Media Network - Parbhani

Parbhani, Jun 23: Parbhani MP Sanjay alias Bandu Jadhav has parted ways with the Shiv Sena (UBT) and joined the Shiv Sena led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, causing a major setback to the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction in the district.

Jadhav, who has represented Parbhani for several years and was earlier elected as an MLA before becoming an MP, defended his decision and hit back at Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, who had criticised his move.

Reacting to allegations against him, Jadhav said his MP fund had not lapsed and clarified that he had kept funds reserved for situations like elections and emergencies.

"Ask those accusing us of taking percentages about how much percentage they have taken," Jadhav said, adding that an MP can utilise the allocated funds even in the final year of the term.

He said that with a fund of Rs 5 crore, it was impossible to fulfil the requirements of around 1,500 villages, forcing him to take the decision to join the Shinde faction.

"We could not fulfil the needs of people and party workers, hence we had to take this decision," he said.

Targeting Sanjay Raut, Jadhav said, "Sanjay Raut is a senior person and his stature is much bigger. If he speaks against me, his stature will reduce. He has the right to speak, but a person who has reached an ideological level should not use language like 'crushing' someone."

Jadhav also said he was prepared to face any action, including losing his Lok Sabha membership.

"If action is taken, we are ready. Even if our MP post goes, we are prepared," he said.

Responding to allegations of financial irregularities, Jadhav challenged Raut to produce documents. "If there are documents of my alleged scam, bring them out tomorrow. I was openly criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah earlier; if there was anything wrong, my inquiry would have happened then," he said.

Jadhav further alleged that if there were claims about Rs 50 crore or Rs 100 crore being taken, the details should be made public.

"I do not have a contracting business. If I wanted money, I would have taken it when you and your people were there. When Uddhav Thackeray was Chief Minister and you acted as a mediator, tell me how much money you gave us," he said.

Taking a dig at Raut, Jadhav said, "You are a Rajya Sabha MP. Have you ever met a common man who comes to your house? You live among influential people. How will you understand the pain of the poor?"

Jadhav said his political stand would depend on the party he belongs to. "When we were in opposition, our job was to question the government. Now that we are in government, our responsibility is to target the opposition," he added.