IT Search Fighter Abhijit Katke Facilities BJP’s Amol Balwadkar Calls It ‘Pressure Tactics’

An Income Tax department team raided the premises of former BJP corporator Abhijit Katke in Pune’s Wagholi area on Monday, officials said. Katke, a two-time winner of the prestigious Maharashtra Kesari and Hind Kesari wrestling titles, is closely related to Amol Balwadkar, also a BJP leader who is keen to contest the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections from Kothrud, despite which the party has already appointed as the main leader. Chandrakantdada Patil.

Officials of the IT department could not be reached and Katke did not respond despite attempts.

Reacting to the income tax searches at the residence and akhada of struggler Abhijit Katke, Amol Balwadkar, a former BJP corporator and Katke’s brother-in-law, dismissed it as “pressure tactics”. stating that he does not succumb to coercion.

Sources said the searches were triggered by allegations of financial irregularities. As the investigations continue, officials are likely to look into Katke’s financial dealings in connection with these allegations.

The searches came amid speculation that Balwadkar might contest against BJP leader Chandrakant Patil in Kothrud, a BJP stronghold. Patil currently represents the constituency in the Assembly, and Balwadkar, who has been actively preparing for the elections for the past two months, expressed his desire to contest on the BJP ticket. He has been organizing public meetings and interactive programs in Kothrud.

The BJP recently released its first list of 99 candidates, reaffirming Patil as the party’s candidate for Kothrud. Rumors suggest that Balwadkar might field as a rebel BJP candidate. Before Patil’s candidature was announced, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule met Balwadkar to try to persuade him not to contest.

Speaking to the media, Balwadkar said, “My family and I are in a state of shock. The party has announced its candidate for Kothrud, and I have not revealed my plans yet. I will discuss with the supporters and the public, and then I will make a decision.”

Balwadkar defended Katke, describing him as a champion fighter from a family of farmers who has brought pride to the nation both nationally and internationally.

“These raids are an attempt to tarnish his image,” he said. He also claimed that during the raids, officials threatened him and other family members.

“This is nothing more than pressure tactics, but we will not give up.”

Balwadkar also downplayed the significance of the attack, suggesting it was not influential enough to justify such actions.

“I believe that false information has been given to the IT department about me and my family. I have not contacted anyone in the party because we have done nothing wrong,” he concluded.