Nagpur/Amravati: The uncertainty over whether Bachchu Kadu’s Prahar Janshakti Party (PJP) will merge with Shiv Sena (Shinde) is expected to be resolved on Wednesday, when the former Achalpur MLA plans to announce his decision at a press conference. Speaking to TOI, Kadu said, “I will share my thoughts with the public at 11am tomorrow. There are many rumors in the media, and I will clarify everything.”Sources said deputy CM Eknath Shinde has offered Kadu a Legislative Council seat, subject to his party merging with Shiv Sena. In an exclusive discussion with TOI, Kadu neither confirmed nor denied the claim. “I have been considering various aspects, but no final decision has been made. I will reflect overnight, consult with my colleagues, and tomorrow you will know everything,” Kadu said.The former state minister told TOI he has discussed details with Shinde. “Yes, I spoke to Shinde saheb, but wait for tomorrow for the details,” Kadu said.Kadu joining the ruling party is being seen as unexpected as he has been opposing them for a few years. Last year in Nagpur, Kadu led a farmers’ protest that blocked a major highway. The deadlock ended after CM Devendra Fadnavis sent ministers of state Pankaj Bhoyar and Ashish Jaiswal for negotiations, promising a committee to consider loan waivers for farmers. A few months later, Kadu said the committee was functioning in an autocratic and anti-farmer manner.Earlier this month, Kadu was accused of plotting to murder a relative of BJP MLA Praveen Tayde. Abhijit Tayde, who handles BJP public outreach in the Achalpur constituency, alleged Kadu conspired to kill him in a staged accident. Kadu rejected the allegation, calling it a fabricated complaint arising from political rivalry.Reports of Kadu possibly aligning with Sena (Shinde), part of the BJP-led Mahayuti, have drawn attention. With MLC elections three weeks away, Kadu is running out of time. Party workers are not opposed to him being nominated to the Legislative Council with Shiv Sena Shinde support, but they object to the merger condition. Most Prahar workers said a merger could weaken the party’s identity and restrict the organisation’s ability to protest, while some in the party said joining the ruling alliance could be beneficial if the opportunity arises.
