Chandrashekhar Bawankule Unaware of Sudhakar Badgujar's BJP Party Entry

In a dramatic turn of events, Sudhakar Badgujar, former deputy leader of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), has reportedly joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), just days after meeting Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Nashik. The meeting had already stirred speculation in political circles, and Badgujar's subsequent expulsion from the Shiv Sena (UBT) added further fuel to the fire.

Despite opposition from local BJP leaders in Nashik, Badgujar, along with former NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) candidate Ganesh Geete, is said to be proceeding with his entry into the party. Sources indicate that both leaders are being inducted into the BJP despite resistance from grassroots workers and local officials.

Reports suggest that Badgujar has left for Mumbai with a large convoy, signaling a possible show of strength during his formal induction. However, the situation took an unexpected twist when BJP Maharashtra State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule denied any knowledge of Badgujar's entry into the party.

“I have no information about Sudhakar Badgujar’s entry into the BJP,” Bawankule told reporters. “Our party has a clear protocol—any new entry must happen with the consensus of local teams, including office-bearers, MLAs, and MPs. As of now, I have not received any such confirmation.”

Bawankule’s statement has added a layer of confusion and controversy to the unfolding political drama. While the top leadership appears to be moving forward with the induction, the apparent disconnect with the state president has raised eyebrows within and outside the party.