Controversial Shiv Sena Appointment Halted Amidst Poll Preparations

Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has suspended the appointment of Shrikant Pangarkar to any party post in Jalna district. Pangarkar, accused in journalist Gauri Lankesh's murder, joined Shiv Sena ahead of assembly polls. The decision follows local and state-wide political complexities and legal controversies.

The appointment of Shrikant Pangarkar to any post within the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra's Jalna district has been put on hold, according to the party led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Pangarkar, who is an accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, recently joined the party ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

In a move witnessed on Friday, Pangarkar rejoined the Shinde-led faction of Shiv Sena during an event attended by former state minister Arjun Khotkar. He had originally defected from the party after being denied a ticket in 2011. However, the Shiv Sena later clarified that any position granted to Pangarkar in the district would be stayed.

The decision to appoint Pangarkar had triggered controversy, given his alleged involvement in the high-profile murder case. Pangarkar was arrested in 2018 but was recently released on bail. The complex political scene in Maharashtra continues as the constituency of Jalna prepares for fierce electoral competition, with Congress incumbent Kailash Gorantyal currently holding the seat.

(With inputs from agencies.)