Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Amol Kirtikar.
Credit: X/@AmolGKirtikar
Mumbai: Hours after Uddhav Thackeray-headed Shiv Sena (UBT) announced the candidature of Amol Kirtikar from Mumbai North-West seat, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) knocked his doors and served a notice vis-a-vis the multi-crore khichdi scam during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Amol is son of veteran Shiv Sena leader Gajanan Kirtikar, the sitting MP, who has shifted loyalties to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The senior Kirtikar had started politics under late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray and was instrumental in the success of Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti, which worked for the rights of common people.
As a matter of fact, a few days ago, Thackeray had unilaterally announced the candidate of Amol Kirtikar - a move that has irked the Maha Vikas Aghadi partners with Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who too was keen to contest, expressing strong resentment.
While the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police which is probing the alleged khichdi scam involving khichdi distribution to migrants during the pandemic, the ED has stepped in to investigate the money laundering part of the probe.
The khichdi scam was reported when the undivided Shiv Sena was ruling the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) - and Thackeray was the Chief Minister heading the Maha Vikas Aghadi dispensation.
“Amol Kirtikar’s name was announced as the candidate and the ED action followed…this is nothing but pressure tactics by the BJP to silence political opposition,” Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member and chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut said.
The ED has asked Amol Kirtikar to appear before its office at Ballard Estate.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya, who was the whistleblower, said, "Uddhav Thackeray’s candidate Amol Kirtikar received Rs 1.65 crore of khichdi scam.”
Thackeray family aide Suraj Chavan, who was close to Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray, was also arrested by the ED in khichdi scam.