Kirtikar says he won't return to Thackeray camp, but is upset at not getting time with Shinde

Discontent within a party is once again a talking point in Maharashtra politics. Gajanan Kirtikar, a senior leader and former MP of the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has expressed displeasure over the way the party works.

Kirtikar said the party chief cannot be reached, which is making it difficult to get people's work done. Following his statement, talk intensified that he could go back to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. He has himself clarified on this speculation.

Kirtikar is counted among the Shiv Sena's seasoned leaders. His son, Amol Kirtikar, is active in Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena. This is why talk had begun in political circles that Gajanan Kirtikar too could return to the Thackeray camp. In an interview, he put an end to the speculation and said clearly that he is not going to change parties.

Speaking about his political role, Kirtikar said he is with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena. According to him, he is certainly unhappy about some things in the party, but he has not taken any decision to leave it. He said he will not make a "ghar wapsi" (homecoming) and will not change parties. He said the reason for his displeasure is that he is not getting the response he should from the party chief.

Explaining the reason, Kirtikar said that as a senior leader of the party, many people come to him with their problems. To get justice from the government for those who have been wronged, it is necessary to speak to the party chief. He says he is not able to get a meeting with Eknath Shinde, and so this work is being held up. Kirtikar also said he does not expect any post and only wants a proper response from the party.

Kirtikar also referred to the time of Uddhav Thackeray. He said he was unhappy even when Uddhav Thackeray was party chief, and that the situation is now much the same. His statement has begun to be discussed in political circles.

Kirtikar's statement has brought the issue of communication within the Shinde-led Shiv Sena to the fore. A senior leader himself has complained that he is not getting the chance to meet the party chief, and so there is varied talk in political circles. But Kirtikar has made it clear that he will not leave the party, so for now there is no official basis for talk of his going to the Thackeray camp. Attention is now on how Eknath Shinde or other Shiv Sena leaders respond to Kirtikar's displeasure.