State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule paid a visit to BJP National Secretary Pankaja Munde on Thursday at her Mumbai residence.
While the BJP officially categorizes the meeting as a Diwali courtesy call, observers interpret it as an attempt to mend fences ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections amidst reported differences with Munde. A senior party figure noted Munde’s significant presence in Maharashtra, despite her role as the national BJP secretary co-incharge of Madhya Pradesh, emphasizing her subdued campaign efforts in the latter state.
Downplaying any political tension, Bawankule insisted the meeting was part of the customary Diwali exchanges. Pankaja’s sister, Pritam Munde, a two-term MP from Beed constituency, also attended the meeting.
Earlier in the week, Pankaja celebrated ‘bhai dooj’ with her cousin, Dhananjay Munde from the NCP, showcasing a familial connection that spans party lines. In the 2019 state assembly elections, Pankaja contested from Parli but faced defeat at the hands of Dhananjay Munde.
Since her loss in 2019, Pankaja has sought reinstatement in the state legislative council or increased responsibilities in Maharashtra, expressing dissatisfaction with her relocation to Delhi politics by the central leadership in 2020.
Despite her loyalty to the BJP, Pankaja has voiced her discontent at public rallies, vowing to stay active in politics until the 2024 polls.
A few months ago, she voiced disappointment when the GST Commissionerate seized assets worth Rs 19 crore from her sugar factory in Beed, alleging a targeted effort to tarnish her public image.
The meeting between Bawankule and Pankaja is seen as an attempt to bridge these reported gaps within the party.
