While welcoming Dange in the organisation, Fadnavis said, “The party always valued his immense role in the organisation and also as minister.” (Devendra Fadnavis X)Former minister and senior ‘Dhangar’ leader Annasaheb Dange on Wednesday joined the BJP. The development is seen in the BJP as a ‘Ghar Vapsi ‘ of the senior functionary who played a significant role in giving BJP a foothold in Maharashtra. Groomed in RSS, Dange left the BJP to join undivided NCP led by Sharad Pawar 23 years ago in 2002.Finally, he decided to return to the BJP along with his two sons Chiman and Vishwanath. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and state chief Ravindra Chavan were present to acknowledge his return to the organisation after two decades.When the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance government came to power in the state for the first time in 1995-99, Dange was a cabinet minister. The senior leader, who hails from Ishwarpur (former Islampur) in Sangli district of western Maharashtra became a member of state legislative council (MLC) for three terms each of six years.However, Dange left the party in 2002. He joined NCP. On Wednesday, Dange said, “I feel fortunate to return to the party. I left the party 23 years ago because I was feeling stifled.”While welcoming Dange in the organisation, Fadnavis said, “The party always valued his immense role in the organisation and also as minister.” When Shiv Sena and BJP coalition was in power (1995-99), Gopinath Munde would always adequately consult Dange on all important decisions.Officially, BJP has decided to ignore Dange’s remarks about being sidelined in the organisation as baseless. A BJP leader requesting anonymity said, “Dange was among the top leaders who was made cabinet minister and also given a term in state council as MLC which is unprecedented.” In 1999, when Sena and BJP lost power, there was nothing BJP could offer him which may have irked Dange. And he decided to quit BJP to join Sharad Pawar’s party NCP.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Bharatiya Janata Party