Ravindra Waikar: Haven’t left Shiv Sena so can’t be disqualified as MLA

Shiv Sena MLA Ravindra Waikar at his office in Jogeshwari on May 8. Pic/Atul Kamble

Responding to a notice sent by his former party, the Shiv Sena (UBT), asking why he should not be disqualified as the Jogeshwari East Assembly segment's representative, Ravindra Waikar claimed he had not left the party, so there is no question of disqualification. On Thursday, Waikar, who is contesting the general election from the Mumbai North West constituency on a Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) ticket, admitted for the first time that he and his new party chief didn't see eye to eye on some matter but claimed their differences were sorted out after having discussions.

Speaking with reporters at his election campaign office in Jogeshwari on Thursday, Waikar said, "After allegations were made against me [in connection with the construction of a luxury hotel], I met Economic Offences Wing and Enforcement Directorate officials and explained how the allegations were false. Later, I met Uddhav-ji thrice and told him we needed to find a way out. I even told him the only way to solve the problem was to call the Prime Minister. Uddhav-ji replied that he couldn't do anything about it and would have to deal with it myself." Waikar also said he still believed his former party chief should have stood behind him in his time of adversity.

"The allegations against me were false so I decided to meet Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-saheb and he patiently heard my side and supported me. Later, he spoke with the officials concerned. It's true we had our differences for a long time but they have been mutually sorted. He supported me when I needed support so I decided to join Shiv Sena and work with him."

Asked about a notice that had been served to him by the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction regarding his disqualification, Waikar said, "Which notice? What disqualification? People know which is the original Shiv Sena. It's the one that has the party symbol and name, so the issue of disqualification does not arise. I am contesting the Lok Sabha election and after winning I will have to resign as MLA in any case."

May 20
Day Mumbai goes to the polls