UBT’s Danve grabs BJP candidate by collar amid ruckus over panchayat samiti chief poll in Sambhajinagar

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Former leader of the opposition in the legislative council Ambadas Danve of Shiv Sena (UBT) faced criticism on Tuesday after he held a BJP candidate by the collar and roughed up rival political party workers. Tempers ran high during the election for the chairman and deputy chairman post of a panchayat samiti after Danve alleged three of his party's elected members were made to switch loyalties. Videos of the tussle between the political party workers was recorded in several cameras at the spot and widely circulated. Danve said three members of his party were "not reachable" since Sunday, including one each from Pandharpur constituency, Vadgaon Kolhadi and ward number 102 of Vadgaon Kolhadi. This had upset party workers and local politicians. "We are waiting for them. They must act according to the party's ideology, else the party will be forced to take action against them," Danve said. Speaking after the confrontation, Danve alleged that BJP leaders were luring or threatening members from other parties to influence the outcome of elections to local bodies. "It was necessary to respond, which is why I confronted the BJP candidate. We are trying to ensure our members do not bend under such pressure. What will happen next cannot be predicted. Remember, this is Shiv Sena," Danve warned.BJP candidate Kalyan Gaikwad, whom he had held by the collar, later won the election to the post of chairman. BJP leaders maintained that they were considering to register an FIR against Danve for getting physical with their candidate and threatening him.BJP city district president Kishor Shitole said, "Ambadas Danve is a senior politician and such behaviour is not expected from him. His reaction was nothing but venting out of frustration in the face if imminent defeat. Instead of threatening other party's workers, he should focus on keeping his party workers and office bearers together."BJP leaders said they were considering registering a complaint against Danve.