Khadse will soon return to Maha cabinet: Danve

Mumbai, Sep 2 (PTI) Former Maharashtra Revenu MinisterEknath Khadse, who had resigned following a string ofallegations of corruption against him, will soon return to thecabinet, BJP state president Raosaheb Danve said today. "Khadse is the leader of entire Maharashtra. Even thoughKhadse is not in power, his presence is very much there in thegovernment. He will soon return to the state cabinet," Danvesaid during a rally at Khadse’s native Muktainagar in Jalgaondistrict. Khadse, during the rally, virtually a show of strength byhim, launched a veiled attack on Chief Minister DevendraFadnavis and his cabinet colleague Girish Mahajan, both ofwhom were not present there. Drawing an analogy from cricket, the BJP veteran said,"Like a seasoned cricketer, I (Khadse) slogged it out only tofind a new kid taking the honours." Also, without naming Mahajan, the Minister for WaterResources, Khadse said he was "pained by having to fightagainst his own men" from within his party. "I strived to change the face of BJP from being a partyof traders to one that found acceptance across all sections ofthe society. Whether I am in power or not, I have enjoyed loveand affection of party cadres," he said. Khadse, who had quit from the state cabinet in Junefollowing a string of allegations including irregularities ina land deal, said he had tendered the resignation to ensurethat the party’s image was not tarnished. Asserting that he had faithfully served BJP, Khadse saidhe has in the past campaigned for the party on bicycles aswell, but his 40 years of dedication was shattered by baselessallegations. "Not a single allegation against me has been proved asyet. There is a limit to which anyone can be targeted. Theydestroyed my career and broke my devotion," Khadse said. PTIMM ARS NSK KISKISRYS