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The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has taken a decisive stance against Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh. Despite Pangarkar's recent re-entry into the party, the Shinde faction has categorically denied him any party post in the Jalna district. This decision comes in the wake of Pangarkar's involvement in the high-profile murder case and the upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls.
Pangarkar's journey back to the Shiv Sena was marked by his joining the party on Friday, shortly before the Maharashtra assembly polls. This move was facilitated by the party leader and former state minister, Arjun Khotkar, who had previously declared Pangarkar's return and nomination as the chief of the Jalna assembly poll campaign. However, this appointment faced immediate backlash, resulting in the Shinde-led Shiv Sena issuing a statement on Sunday confirming the stay of any party post for Pangarkar in Jalna.
The murder of Gauri Lankesh, a prominent journalist known for her critical stance on right-wing extremism, shook the nation in 2017. An extensive probe by Karnataka police, aided by agencies in Maharashtra, led to the arrest of several individuals, including Shrikant Pangarkar. Pangarkar, who served as a Jalna municipal councillor for the undivided Shiv Sena between 2001 and 2006, was arrested in August 2018. He was later granted bail by the Karnataka High Court in September 2023. It is worth noting that following his rejection by the Shiv Sena in 2011, Pangarkar joined the right-wing Hindu Janjagruti Samiti, further raising concerns about his ideology and potential influence within the party.
The Shiv Sena's decision to deny Pangarkar a party post appears to be a calculated move to distance themselves from the controversial figure. The upcoming Maharashtra assembly polls have heightened political tensions, and the Shinde faction seems to be prioritizing public perception and avoiding potential negative repercussions associated with Pangarkar's involvement in the Lankesh murder case. The party is strategically trying to maintain its image and avoid potential voter backlash. The situation remains fluid, with the Shiv Sena navigating the complex dynamics of political alliances and public sentiment.
Source: No Party Post To Gauri Lankesh Murder Accused: Eknath Shinde's Sena