The Shiv Sena, led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has decided to halt the appointment of Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, to any position in the party in Jalna district. This decision comes ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly polls.
Pangarkar, who was arrested in connection with Gauri Lankesh’s murder, recently joined Shiv Sena in the presence of party leader Arjun Khotkar. However, the party has now put a hold on any post being given to him in Jalna district.
Gauri Lankesh was tragically shot dead outside her home in Bengaluru in 2017. The investigation into her murder led to the arrest of several individuals, including Pangarkar. Despite being granted bail by the Karnataka High Court, his affiliation with Shiv Sena has raised concerns.
It was reported that Pangarkar, a former Shiv Sainik, had previously joined the Hindu Janjagruti Samiti after being denied a ticket by Shiv Sena in 2011. Khotkar expressed his desire to contest the assembly polls from Jalna, but discussions regarding seat-sharing within the ruling alliance are still ongoing.
The Maharashtra Assembly polls are scheduled for November 20, with results expected on November 23. The Shiv Sena’s decision to halt Pangarkar’s appointment showcases a cautious approach in light of his controversial background. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.
