Mumbai: The BJP on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to its rebel MLC, Ranjitsinh Mohite-Patil, for anti-party activities and asked him submit his reply within seven days.
The Mohite-Patils are the most influential family in Solapur district, with a firm grip on local politics – particularly in Madha Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies. Ranjitsinh campaigned for the NCP (SP) in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, leading to the defeat of the BJP candidates.
Despite being a BJP MLC, Ranjitsinh was accused of seeking votes for his cousin Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil in the Lok Sabha election and for Uttam Jankar in the assembly polls.
The BJP has sought a written explanation from Ranjitsinh within seven days. Interestingly, the notice has been signed by Mukund Kulkarni, the office secretary at the state headquarters; normally such notices are issued by the party’s organising secretary or the chief of the party’s disciplinary committee.
The notice says, “You, as a representative of the Bharatiya Janata Party, have been found engaging in activities causing damage to the party. Several instances of indiscipline have been reported against you.”
The MLC has been accused of failing to attend campaigns led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and other senior ministers during elections.
Ranjitsinh has also been accused of asking his associates and family members to work against the BJP candidates and threatening party workers, putting pressure on them using police agents. The BJP has warned that the allegations are serious and cannot be ignored, and his failure to respond may lead to further action.
