PERNEM
Assuring that Praveen Arlekar would be given a suitable position in the party, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday said that Deputy Chief Minister and Pernem’s BJP MLA Babu Ajgaonkar would also be respected if he remains in the BJP.
Addressing a huge gathering in Pernem to welcome Arlekar into the party, Sawant said: “I congratulate Arlekar for not joining the TMC. He has been working for the well-being in Pernem since the past three years and that's why there is such a crowd today to witness his induction into the party.”
“With Arlekar's entry into the party, there is no need for locals of Pernem to worry. Mopa is for the people and not a single youth from Pernem taluka will stay unemployed. I also request Ajgaonkar to stay with the BJP and he will also be respected," said Sawant.
In his address, Arlekar said he was upset over the decision of TMC joining hands with the MGP without taking party workers into confidence.
Others present at the function included Mandrem MLA Dayanand Sopte, Shiroda MLA Subhash Shirodkar, State BJP president Sadanand Tanavade and several local and state leaders.
Tanavade, Sopte, Shirodkar and PMC Chairperson Usha Nagvekar were among those who also spoke at the event.
Arlekar had been the prospective candidate for MGP in the Pernem constituency but eventually resigned from the MGP after reportedly being assured of the BJP ticket.
