Solapur: Senior Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde has asserted that he and his MLA daughter, Parineeti Shinde, received invitations to join the BJP. Despite this, he emphasized his allegiance to the Congress and affirmed that he has no intentions of leaving his party. Shinde made these statements during a public gathering in Akkalkot tehsil of Solapur district on Tuesday. However, the BJP has countered this claim, stating that no such offer was extended to Shinde and his daughter to join their party.

Shinde explained, "Parineeti tai and I were approached by the BJP, but how could I contemplate such a move? I have dedicated my entire life to the Congress, and it's inconceivable to shift allegiances. I have never been involved in defection." When questioned by reporters after the event about the identity of the individual extending the BJP invitation, Shinde declined to disclose the name, simply referring to the person as a 'big man.'

Shinde Firm on Congress Loyalty:

Sushil Kumar Shinde reiterated his commitment to the Congress, emphasizing, "I declared that I am a steadfast Congressman and will not abandon the Congress under any circumstances." Disputing Shinde's statement, Chandrashekhar Bawankule, the president of BJP's Maharashtra unit, refuted any claims of an offer being extended to Shinde or his daughter to join the BJP, as reported by a news channel.

Chandrakant Patil's Visit Raises Eyebrows:

In a different development, Chandrakant Patil, a state government minister and BJP leader, visited Shinde at his residence in Solapur city and held discussions with him. Patil, who also serves as the minister in-charge of Solapur, is said to have met Shinde in connection with an invitation to the upcoming literary conference. This meeting is part of Patil's efforts to extend an invitation to Shinde for the literary event.

Sushil Kumar Shinde, who served as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra from 2003 to 2004, held key positions such as Energy and Home Minister during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime at the Centre. His daughter, Parineeti, is a three-time member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly and represents the Solapur Central seat as an MLA.

Patil Attempts to Clarify: No Political Offer Made:

Following the meeting between Maharashtra's senior BJP leader and minister, Chandrakant Patil, and Sushil Kumar Shinde, speculations regarding political shifts intensified. However, Patil, in an effort to clarify the nature of the meeting, stated, "I want to make it clear that no offer has been extended to Sushil Kumar Shinde or Praniti Shinde. We share family relations with him, so we met him," Patil asserted.

Familial Meeting or Political Strategy?

Expanding on his comments, Chandrakant Patil continued, "Families like Sushil Kumar Shinde's are renowned in Maharashtra politics for their cultured background, and no one has tarnished their reputation till date. Praniti Shinde is also a dynamic and assertive leader from such a cultured family. If a leader of her caliber, like Praniti Shinde, considers joining the Bharatiya Janata Party, we would wholeheartedly welcome her." Patil's remarks suggest that the meeting was more of a familial or social nature rather than a political negotiation.