Eknath Khadse may be back in Cabinet, says minister

Mumbai: Revenue minister and senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil has foretold that former revenue minister, Eknath Khadse, may soon re-enter the state Cabinet. Mr Patil also hinted at a Cabinet expansion in June. However, while senior party leaders want Mr Khadse back in the Cabinet, the CM is unwilling to take him back till he emerges unscathed in the legal battle ahead of him, said sources.

The state Anti-Corruption Bureau has given Mr Khadse a clean chit and the decision has been communicated to the original complainant, Hemant Gavande, on Friday by the ACB. However, Mr Gavande is keen on opposing the ACB’s plea to quash the FIR registered against Mr Khadse. Mr Gavande and social activist Anjali Damania have decided to fight in the Bombay high court, as well, and the legal battle may be prolonged.

Asked about Mr Khadse’s re-entry into the Cabinet, Mr Patil said, “We are of the view that he should be taken back into the Cabinet soon. We will welcome him.”

However, there is a difference of opinion on whether Mr Khadse should be re-inducted before the court gives him a clean chit. Many ministers have continued to be in the Cabinet despite allegations and inquiries against them. Housing minister Prakash Mehta is facing a Lokayukta inquiry and industries minister Subhash Desai, too, has not resigned during the inquiry against him. Mr Khadse alone resigned after allegations surfaced against him. He has not been convicted in any case by a court. The ACB, too, has given him a clean chit. Why then should Mr Khadse be kept out of the Cabinet, said Mr Patil.