Mumbai – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is facing a significant political backlash in Maharashtra over its recent attempt to induct Kashinath Chaudhari, a former leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) (NCP(SP)), into its ranks. Chaudhari had previously been labeled a “key accused” by the BJP itself in connection with the 2020 Palghar lynching case, where two Hindu monks (sadhus) and their driver were brutally murdered.
The controversy erupted just a day after Chaudhari’s induction, forcing the BJP to put the decision on hold. The opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance, comprising the Indian National Congress, NCP(SP), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), swiftly condemned the move, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy and political opportunism.
Chaudhari, a member of the Palghar Zilla Parishad, has vehemently denied any involvement in the lynching. Speaking to the media, he claimed he was present at the scene to control the mob and expressed his “utmost respect” for sadhus. He stated that he had fully cooperated with the investigating agencies and felt unfairly targeted by a “political conspiracy.”
The Palghar lynching, which occurred during the COVID-19 lockdown in April 2020, became a highly politicized issue. The BJP, then in opposition, heavily criticized the Uddhav Thackeray-led MVA government for its handling of the situation and demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. The case was eventually transferred to the CBI after the MVA government collapsed.
Following the lynching, several BJP leaders publicly accused Chaudhari of being present at the scene. While he was questioned by both the CID and the CBI, he was never formally charged in the case, which remains pending in a local trial court.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis initially defended the decision to induct Chaudhari, stating that the local BJP unit had conducted “due diligence.” However, the growing uproar forced state BJP president Ravindra Chavan to suspend the induction. When questioned about alleged promises of a leadership position in the Palghar Zilla Parishad, Chaudhari denied any such assurances were made.
The NCP(SP) has accused the BJP of employing “pressure tactics” to gain political advantage in the Dahanu region, where Chaudhari holds considerable influence. Sunil Bhusara, an NCP(SP) leader, argued that the BJP’s desperation to win the Dahanu seat, currently held by the CPI(M), led them to shamelessly induct a person they had previously accused of a heinous crime.
The incident has also taken a personal toll on Chaudhari, who says his family is facing harassment as a result of the renewed accusations. He expressed concern for his son, who is allegedly being targeted by his peers in Mumbai due to the media coverage.
The BJP’s U-turn on Chaudhari highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of political maneuvering in India. The incident raises questions about the party’s commitment to its stated principles and its willingness to compromise for electoral gains. As the local body elections approach, the Palghar lynching controversy is likely to remain a contentious issue, further fueling political tensions in Maharashtra.
