Lok Sabha Election 2024: ED Probes Shiv Sena Candidate Amol Kirtikar For Khichdi Scam Post-Nomination

Maharashtra Lok Sabha Election 2024: Ahead of Lok Sabha Election 2024, just after the announcement of Amol Kirtikar's candidature from the Mumbai North-West seat by the Uddhav Thackeray-headed Shiv Sena (UBT), a notice regarding the multi-crore khichdi scam during the Covid-19 pandemic was served at his doorstep by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Amol, the son of veteran Shiv Sena leader Gajanan Kirtikar, the sitting MP, who has shifted loyalties to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, found himself under scrutiny, reported Deccan Herald.

Amol Kirtikar Under ED's Radar For Khichdi Scam

The senior Kirtikar, who commenced his political career under the late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, and was instrumental in the success of Sthaniya Lokadhikar Samiti, which advocated for the rights of common people.

A few days ago, the announcement of Amol Kirtikar as the candidate by Thackeray had been made unilaterally, a decision that has caused displeasure among the Maha Vikas Aghadi partners, with Congress leader Sanjay Nirupam, who was also interested in contesting, expressing strong resentment, reported Deccan Herald.

While the alleged khichdi scam, involving khichdi distribution to migrants during the pandemic, is being investigated by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police, the money laundering aspect of the probe has been taken up by the ED.

The khichdi scam was reported during the tenure of the undivided Shiv Sena in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), with Thackeray serving as the Chief Minister heading the Maha Vikas Aghadi dispensation. "The ED action followed the candidate announcement of Amol Kirtikar... this is perceived as pressure tactics by the BJP to silence political opposition," remarked Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member and chief spokesperson Sanjay Raut, as per Deccan Herald Report.

Amol Kirtikar has been summoned by the ED to appear before its office at Ballard Estate. Meanwhile, whistleblower BJP leader Kirit Somaiya stated, "Rs 1.65 crore of Khichdi scam was received by Uddhav Thackeray's candidate Amol Kirtikar." Additionally, Thackeray family aide Suraj Chavan, who was close to Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray, was also arrested by the ED in connection with the Khichdi scam.