Ex-minister hopes for a comeback, but second stint may be elusive

MUMBAI: Can former revenue minister Eknath Khadse, who resigned on Saturday, make a political comeback?

MUMBAI: Can former revenue minister Eknath Khadse, who resigned on Saturday, make a political comeback?

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The dismissal of Khadse, a one-time mentor of CM Devendra Fadnavis, points to a political sabbatical for the North Maharashtra leader, even though he is hoping for a rehabilitation following a probe.

Khadse’s political future now rests on the outcome of a judicial probe announced by Fadnavis. Khadse had sought a probe into all allegations and a section within the BJP thinks this may be one way to get him back in the saddle.

A senior BJP minister said, “He is an aggressive leader. He has already projected the entire controversy as a ploy against an OBC leader which may affect the party as well. Hence, he may play an important role in the community breaking away which cannot be considered a good sign for the BJP.”

The comeback, however, may not be easy, given the rift between Fadnavis and Khadse as well as the seriousness of the charges.