A statement by Shiv Sena MLA Bharat Gogawale has created a stir in the politics of Maharashtra. Gogawale said that the few mavales (sainiks) who were there during the time of Shivaji Maharaj established Swarajya by putting their lives at stake. Shivaji Maharaj alone did not do it and Eknath Shinde who is the Chief Minister today is not on the strength of any one. Like this Mahendra, like me, when all of us 40 Sardars and other 6 Sardars stood with them with their heads held high, then a good person like Eknath Shinde could become the Chief Minister of this state.
Addressing a public meeting in Raigarh district, Bharat Gogawale said that everyone blessed me that Bharat Seth became minister, foster minister. My number was in the first 9 (ministers). everything was done. One (MLA) came and said that if I am not given the post of minister, my wife will commit suicide… Wah re wah! Our wives remained like this. One came and said that if I am not made a minister, Narayan Rane will eliminate me. One said that if I am not made a minister, I will resign. Then the Chief Minister was in trouble. Till half past five we both were there wondering what to do. My number was there, both my companions are grumbling that you left the opportunity that came… Yes, I left.
Bharat Gogawale did not reveal the names of those MLAs openly on camera, but off-camera he hinted that Minister Deepak Kesarkar had said that Narayan Rane, his political opponent in Sindudurg, would end his politics if he was not made a minister. Another MLA and minister Sanjay Rathore said that if he does not become a minister, his wife will commit suicide. MLA Sanjay Sheersath had said that he will resign if he does not get the ministerial post. On the other hand, when MLA Sanjay Sheersath was questioned on Gogawale’s statement, he said that Bharat Gogawale is an emotional person. He might have said some things in emotions but there is no resentment in any of our Shiv Sena MLAs.
