A Storm Brews in Thane as Notorious 'History-Sheeter' Joins BJP Ranks

Well, here's a story that certainly has everyone in political circles, and indeed, many ordinary citizens, scratching their heads and perhaps raising an eyebrow or two. In a move that's quickly become the talk of the town, especially across Thane and Mumbai, Ravindra Fartade—a name perhaps more commonly associated with police records than political rallies—has officially joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in its Thane unit.

Now, who exactly is Ravindra Fartade? That’s the crucial question here, isn't it? Fartade isn't just a regular face; he's been widely identified as a 'history-sheeter' hailing from Mumbai's Ghatkopar area. And when we talk about his past, we're not just talking about a few minor infractions. Oh no, the records are quite extensive. Sources suggest he has no less than 14 serious cases lodged against him. Think about that for a moment: allegations ranging from extortion and attempt to murder to assault, criminal threats, and even illegal possession of arms. Many of these, mind you, stem from the Pant Nagar police station in Ghatkopar.

So, against this rather dramatic backdrop, Fartade was welcomed into the BJP fold. He made his entry in the presence of some prominent figures, including BJP MLA Sanjay Kelkar and Thane BJP chief Niranjan Davkhare. It wasn't a quiet affair either; his joining was marked by a procession, complete with the vibrant sounds of dhol tasha, suggesting a significant show of support from his followers.

Of course, Fartade himself addressed his past, acknowledging it head-on. He claims to have truly turned a new leaf, emphasizing his decade spent in jail as a period of reflection and change. His stated aim now? To leave that life behind and dedicate himself to serving society, to do "good work." It's a powerful narrative of redemption, if you choose to believe it.

However, the BJP's decision to embrace someone with such a formidable criminal record hasn't exactly gone unchallenged. The party's Thane chief, Niranjan Davkhare, offered a somewhat predictable defense. He attempted to downplay the severity of the charges, categorizing them as "minor" and "old." Crucially, he pointed out that Fartade hasn't actually been convicted in any of these cases, which, legally speaking, is a significant detail. Davkhare also highlighted Fartade's purported desire to work for Hindutva and the BJP's ideology, asserting that anyone genuinely wishing to contribute positively should be welcomed.

Unsurprisingly, the opposition hasn't held back in its criticism. Jitendra Awhad, a prominent leader from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), launched a scathing attack on the BJP. He lambasted the party for what he perceives as a blatant contradiction, especially given their long-standing slogan of being a "party with a difference." Awhad questioned the very idea of how individuals with such criminal backgrounds can suddenly transform into dedicated social workers, suggesting a deeper hypocrisy at play.

It’s also worth noting that Fartade isn't entirely new to the political game, or at least, its periphery. His political journey, if one can call it that, has seen him switch allegiances before, having previously been associated with both the NCP and the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS). There are even whispers of past links to a notorious gangster, Ashwin Naik. This history, naturally, adds another layer of complexity and suspicion to his latest political affiliation.

Ultimately, this entire episode raises some rather uncomfortable questions about the state of politics and the criteria political parties use when inducting new members. While the narrative of rehabilitation and second chances is compelling, one can't help but wonder about the optics and the message it sends to the public when a party welcomes a 'history-sheeter' with open arms. It's a move that's bound to keep the debate simmering for quite some time.