Former Pune Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar Tells FPJ Amid Speculation

In an exclusive conversation with The Free Press Journal on Monday, former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar has rubbished rumours of him joining the Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

“I am a Congress supporter and will always be one. There is speculation among the public after I put up a WhatsApp status on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. However, there is no plan to change the party and join Shinde Sena in the future. I am refuting all the speculation among the public.”

The WhatsApp status featured a photo of Dhangekar wearing a saffron scarf. This fueled speculation about his political intentions, with many questioning whether he was considering a switch to another party.

Reacting to this, Maharashtra Minister of Industries and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant made a statement on Sunday. Speaking to the media, he said, “I have already invited Ravindra Dhangekar to join our party.” “I saw his WhatsApp status where he was wearing a saffron scarf. I told him that if the bow and arrow (Shiv Sena’s symbol) appeared on it, we would be happy. I personally invited him because if a grassroots leader like him wants to work powerfully in social service, there is no better option than Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde,” he added.

Samant had also met Dhangekar recently for the birthday celebration of the latter’s son. Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, the minister wrote, “Celebrated the birthday of former Congress MLA Ravindra Dhangekar’s son Pranav Dhangekar and gave him my best wishes.”

Reportedly, Dhangekar had recently met Shinde in Mumbai. However, Dhangekar later clarified that the meeting was purely for personal work. “I met Eknath Shinde regarding my personal work. After explaining my issue, he assured me that it would be resolved. Since my work was pending with him, I had to meet him,” Dhangekar had stated.

Meanwhile, Dhangekar has called a meeting of his supporters for tomorrow amid the rumours.