Eknath Khadse rules out BJP return and pledges to stay with Sharad Pawar

NCP (SP) leader Eknath Khadse announced on Saturday, July 11, 2026, that he has decided to remain with Sharad Pawar’s party and is no longer interested in rejoining the BJP. The announcement, which puts an end to speculation about his political future, came a day after Khadse met with Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray at his 'Matoshri' residence.

Khadse, who is currently a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) from the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), released a video confirming his decision. He acknowledged that he had previously travelled to Delhi to discuss rejoining the BJP but stated he will now remain with Sharad Pawar "till the end."

In the video, Khadse claimed that BJP leader Amit Shah had personally invited him to rejoin the party. However, he alleged that senior BJP leaders subsequently told him that local leaders would oppose his induction and might even ensure the party lost its Lok Sabha seat if he returned. Khadse did not specify which constituency was discussed. Notably, his daughter-in-law Raksha Khadse is a BJP MP representing the Raver Lok Sabha seat in the Jalgaon district.

Speculation about Khadse's return to the BJP had intensified following a recent meeting with BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde in Mumbai. Khadse clarified that the meeting was merely a courtesy call regarding his health, during which he invited Tawde to his upcoming birthday celebration.

Meanwhile, State Minister Girish Mahajan dismissed allegations that he had blocked Khadse's return to the BJP, stating that Khadse has a "direct hotline to Delhi" and that he had no information regarding the matter.

Khadse's meeting at 'Matoshri' on Friday, July 10, 2026, which was also attended by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, had further fueled discussions about his political plans before his final announcement on Saturday.