Munde was humiliated, wanted to leave party: BJP leader

mangaloretoday.com /India Today

Maharashtra, June 07, 2014: Maharashtra Legislature’s resolution to mark Gopinath Munde’s contribution turned out to be an emotional one as all the top state leaders could not stop their tears while remembering their dynamic colleague.

The speeches paying homage to late Munde not only saw wet eyes but also raised eyebrows by some ’disclosures’ !

Munde’s close aide since 1974 and former Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra legislative Council Pandurang Fundkar said that Munde was humiliated in the party till the very last days. Fundkar disclosed that Munde had an offer to join the Congress and was offered a Cabinet berth in the centre for himself and 2 ministries in the state Cabinet. Shiv Sena Chief Late Balasaheb Thackeray convinced Munde not to leave the party. But whenever Munde struggled in the party he raised the question with Fundkar "is this why you stopped me from joining the Congress?"

A tearful Fundkar choked while remembering his party colleague. Fundkar also demanded a CBI probe in Munde’s accidental death.

In the assembly, CM Prithviraj Chavhan moved the resolution and paid rich tributes to Munde. Citing Munde’s sharp political acumen , Chavan narrated the incident when Munde had approached him to fight the MCA (Mumbai Cricket Association) elections. Munde was planning to team up with Prithviraj Chavan against Sharad Pawar.

Munde’s political opponent from NCP and his brother in arm for the OBC movement Chhagan Bhujbal could not control his tears while remembering Munde’s contribution to the OBC movement. Even an aggressive leader like Narayan Rane choked as he remembered Munde who was his deputy, when Rane served as the Chief Minister.

The Motion of Gratitude was moved and adopted since a Condolence Motion had already been passed the day Munde died.