JOIN USIn a major embarrassment to the BJP, one of its senior-most legislators from Maharashtra, Raj Purohit, was caught in a sting operation questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah's style of functioning.
He was also caught saying how the business community was drifting away from the party because of its policies. The revelation came as a major jolt to Purohit himself, who was one of the probables for a ministry during the Maharashtra Cabinet expansion.
It also means more trouble for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is already reeling under various problems: the Rs 206-crore anganwadi scam in which the name of late Gopinath Munde's daughter and Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja figures, the alleged fake educational qualifications of senior ministers Vinod Tawde and Babanrao Lonikar, and Mumbai Police chief Rakesh Maria's July 2014 meeting with IPL ex-chief Lalit Modi in London.
“There is no collective decision-making in the BJP. It’s a fraud. Narendra Modi and Amit Shah are the two power-centres in the country. Such a democracy is meaningless. They are calling the shots,” Purohit was heard saying in a video aired by local news channels.
Maharashtra BJP chief Raosaheb Patil Danve has called for CDs of the conversation, and also summoned the five-time MLA and former minister for an explanation. If Patil Danve is not satisfied, and there is a prima facie case against Purohit, the party may act against him.
The BJP veteran is highly-networked with the business community and traders, and has been their voice.
Black money
On the Centre’s move to unearth black money and come out with a new law on it, Purohit was heard saying: “Half the country’s economy runs on black money. I interact daily with top businessmen. Don’t interfere in everything. Let things continue as they are.”
Purohit was also seen in the video accusing Fadnavis being in a nexus with the builders' lobby, which he claimed is represented by party colleague and MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
“He used money power and prevented me from being made a minister. I am among the senior-most ministers, probably second after (Revenue Minister) Eknath Khadse,” he said, adding that injustice had been done to him.
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