Mumbai: Before the Lok Sabha elections, the NCP led by Sharad Pawar might face a significant setback as veteran leader Eknath Khadse, hailing from Jalgaon, is rumored to be considering a return to the BJP, where he had a longstanding association. If Khadse indeed leaves the NCP, it could deal a severe blow to the party. Speculations are rife that Khadse could join the BJP even before the commencement of the first round of voting in the Lok Sabha elections. Although Khadse has denied these rumors, discussions about his potential move persist. Sources indicate that he has been in Delhi since Sunday, attempting to meet with senior BJP leaders.

Following meetings with top BJP officials, Khadse may announce his departure from the NCP led by Sharad Pawar. One motivating factor for this potential move is BJP's selection of his sister, Raksha Khadse, as its candidate from the Raver Lok Sabha constituency. When the Sharad Pawar camp proposed that he contest from this seat, Khadse declined, fueling speculation that he may be gravitating back towards the BJP. His departure for Delhi on Sunday night has only intensified these rumors.

Recently, Raksha Khadse expressed expectations that Eknath Khadse would return to their political home. Additionally, BJP leader and minister Girish Mahajan hinted at this possibility, stating that he had heard about Khadse's preparations to rejoin the BJP. However, Khadse himself has not made any public statements regarding this matter and has been avoiding the media in recent days. It's worth noting that the Khadse family recently received relief in a land scam case from the Bombay High Court, which granted bail to Eknath Khadse, his wife, and daughter-in-law.

Eknath Khadse was once a prominent figure in the BJP, but differences with Devendra Fadnavis led to his departure from the party. Allegedly, strained relations with Girish Mahajan also contributed to his exit. Upon joining the NCP, Sharad Pawar appointed him to the Legislative Council. Despite Ajit Pawar's rebellion, Khadse remained loyal to Pawar. Given this background, it was assumed that he would remain with the party, but recent developments suggest a shift in the landscape.

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