Shiv Sena MLA Chandrakant Patil Attacks Eknath Khadse, Alleges Large-Scale Mineral Theft
Shiv Sena
Shiv Sena MLA Chandrakant Patil accuses senior leader Eknath Khadse of involvement in illegal mineral theft worth crores, intensifying political tensions in Jalgaon ahead of elections.
Jalgaon, December 04, 2025 – Political tensions in Jalgaon escalated sharply after Shiv Sena MLA Chandrakant Patil launched a direct attack on veteran leader Eknath Khadse, accusing him of involvement in large-scale illegal mineral theft. Patil claimed that the alleged activity, running into crores of rupees, had been going on for years and demanded immediate action from authorities. His remarks have stirred strong reactions across the district, especially with elections approaching and political rivalries at their peak.
According to Patil, the issue is not limited to a single incident. He insists the scale of the alleged extraction suggests a long-running operation that could not have continued without political backing. He argued that Khadse’s influence allowed him to escape scrutiny and that past complaints linked to mineral-related irregularities deserve fresh investigation. Patil also suggested that holding powerful positions should not give anyone immunity from accountability.
The comments quickly triggered a war of words. Khadse dismissed the allegations as politically driven and claimed Patil was attempting to damage his credibility ahead of local body polls. He challenged Patil to produce concrete evidence and said he was prepared to face any inquiry. Supporters of Khadse argued that these accusations surface only during election cycles, indicating political motivation rather than genuine public concern.
Public response in Jalgaon has been mixed. Some residents welcomed Patil’s statements, saying illegal mineral extraction has been a long-standing issue that needs more transparency and stricter enforcement. Others felt the remarks were timed to influence voter sentiment and deepen political division. The accusations have also stirred concern among officials, who now face pressure to examine records and verify whether mining rules were violated.
Political analysts believe the dispute could reshape alliances in the district. With elections nearing, such high-intensity accusations often shift voter perceptions and create uncertainty within party structures. The clash between Patil and Khadse has become more than a personal dispute — it reflects a larger struggle for influence and control in the region. The fallout may affect campaign strategies and negotiations among local leaders in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, civil groups and activists have urged authorities to conduct an impartial investigation. They argue that issues involving public resources should not be dismissed as political mudslinging. If wrongdoing is found, they insist that action must be taken regardless of the individual’s political stature. The administration has yet to announce whether it will pursue a formal inquiry, but rising public pressure suggests that some form of review may be inevitable.
The coming days will determine whether the controversy remains a political flashpoint or evolves into a legal battle. For now, Chandrakant Patil’s accusations have placed Eknath Khadse under renewed scrutiny and added intensity to an already charged political atmosphere in Jalgaon.
