After defeating Maha Vikas Aghadi for the sixth Rajya Sabha seat from the state, former Chief Minister and BJP Leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday dedicated the party’s victory to two ailing MLAs from Pune district, who had traveled to Mumbai by road to cast their crucial vote.
Saluting both the MLAs for their spirited performance despite facing difficult situation, Fadnavis said, “I want to congratulate (Chinchwad MLA) Laxmanbhau Jagtap… He was in the hospital for one-and-a-half months. He had returned home a few days back…the doctors had advised him not to step out…but he told me that ‘I will definitely be able to exercise my vote’. He came because the party desperately needed his vote. I salute him.”
Regarding Kasba Peth MLA Mukta Tilak, Fadnavis said, ‘Mukta Tai came to Mumbai a day ago. She was admitted to the hospital, from where she came to vote and then returned to the hospital. After that she went home to Pune.
“Whether in opposition or in power, our party members want to fight for the people. It is this spirit that has led us to this victory.”
The votes of MLAs proved decisive due to the defeat of BJP candidate Dhananjay Mahadik. Shiv SenaSanjay Pawar for the sixth Rajya Sabha seat. After his victory, Mahadik had praised both the MLAs and said, “I will personally visit the houses of both the MLAs to thank them for showing courage and coming to the rescue of the party in difficult situations.” I also dedicate my victory to him.”
Former MLA NCP leader Vilas Lande said, ‘I have known Laxman Jagtap since childhood. He is also my close relative. I knew he would do anything for his party. He is a loyal person and will do anything for his family, friends, party or organization to which he belongs… He has lived up to his reputation of being a fighter.
Congress leader Rohit Tilak, a close relative of Mutka Tilak, said, “Both the leaders deserve salute. They have shown exemplary courage in reaching Mumbai to exercise their vote for their party despite suffering from serious ailments… Both have set a unique example.”