Boost for Sena as former MLA and farmers’ leader joins party

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Former MLA from Loha in Nanded district Shankaranna Dhondge, also known as a farmers' leader, joined Shiv Sena on Monday.Dhondge (66) joined Telangana-based Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) under the leadership of former Telangana CM KC Rao (KCR) and spread the roots of the party in parts of Marathwada.After the downfall of BRS, Dhondge floated Maharashtra Rajya Samiti (MRS). In search of a return to an established political party, he chose to join the ruling party Sena. Dhondge, who joined Shiv Sena in the presence of deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai, said, "I am searching for another KCR in Shinde's leadership.""Shinde won hearts by recently saying that the farmers have the first right over the exchequer. We are searching for another KCR in him. Under his leadership only, our state can become free from farmers' suicides," he said.Dhondge also announced plans to hold a huge convention of farmers to facilitate their formal entry into Sena.Speaking on the occasion, Shinde said Dhondge is a leader who worked in the farmers' movement all his life."He experienced the pain and problems of farmers first-hand. The organisational strength he built in Marathwada is great," he said.Shinde also said that the decision on a loan waiver to farmers from Maharashtra will be taken soon. Known for his connect at the grassroots, Dhondge earlier weighed options of joining Congress and met some of the senior party leaders. The majority of his supporters, however, insisted on joining the ruling party.