Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut claimed on Tuesday that former Congress MLA from Pune's Kasba Peth, Ravindra Dhangekar, joined Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena because his wife, Pratibha, was about to be arrested.

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Speaking to the media, Raut said, "An atmosphere was created for Dhangekar to quit the Congress party. He feared that his wife would be arrested, and due to this fear, he joined Shinde Sena."

"This isn't only about Dhangekar. Over 90 per cent of politicians have changed their parties due to this reason only. They fear that the ruling government will use agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and Income Tax Department against them," he added.

According to Raut, Dhangekar had been under pressure from the time he decided to contest the Lok Sabha elections last year.

Earlier, BJP leader Ganesh Bidkar had alleged that Dhangekar's wife and a few others have illegally seized a Waqf board property worth ₹100 crore, located on Laxmi Road.

Responding to this, Dhangekar had told The Free Press Journal, "The accusations are totally false. Those who are making these accusations are themselves thieves. I dare (Devendra) Fadnavis to thoroughly investigate this matter and if I am found guilty, put me behind bars."

Meanwhile, speaking to the media before his joining on Monday, Dhangekar said his supporters wanted him to work with Shinde as "you need to be in power to get things done."

"I was in the Shiv Sena and had worked in different capacities. I have now returned to the party. Everyone in the state has seen how Shinde saheb has been working for the welfare of the common people. I am very happy I have got the opportunity to work with him once again," he added.