Eknath Khadse resigns from BJP, says Fadnavis destroyed his life

Mumbai : Senior political leader Eknath Khadse on Wednesday announced his resignation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to join National Congress Party (NCP), and blamed former Maharashtra Chief Minister for his exit, saying he "destroyed his life".

"Devendra Fadnavis destroyed my life. I spent four years in mental tension. I repeatedly said in my speeches that you are forcing me out of the party. I feel sad about quitting the BJP but I had no choice. There were attempts to frame me on false charges of rape," Eknath Khadse said today.

Eknath Khadse, who had been a BJP minister from a long time, was upset from the party when he was asked to resign over corruption charges in 2016.

"Eknath Khadse will join NCP at 2 pm on Friday...this will strengthen the NCP," Jayant Patil, the state NCP chief and Maharashtra minister, told reporters today.

Since past few days, there was a buzz that he may resign from BJP and join the Sharad Pawar-led party. Devendra Fadnavis had scoffed at the buzz and said: "This kind of mahurat (auspicious time) is being talked about every day and I will not speak on it."

The hopes to see him back in BJP died last year when he was dropped as a candidate for last year's Maharashtra election. His daughter Rohini Khadse was fielded instead, but she lost.

After the BJP failed to retain power in Maharashtra, Mr Khadse had been among a section of leaders who were openly critical of the way the party - read Mr Fadnavis -- handled the polls.