Gopinath Munde's "downfall" has started with MCA setback: NCP

MUMBAI: Reacting to senior BJP leader Gopinath Munde's ouster from the election to the post of the president of Mumbai Cricket Association, NCP today said it was the beginning of his downfall.

Munde's nomination has been rejected by MCA, paving the way for unopposed election of NCP chief and Union Minister Sharad Pawar as president.

NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said, "The downfall has begun with rejection of his (Munde's) application.... His political career has suffered a setback."

Malik also claimed that Munde would not be able to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha election, following his admission at a public function a few weeks ago that he spent Rs 8 crore on his campaign in 2009.

"He will not be able to contest the election for six years if he is convicted in the case," Malik said.

To the claim made by Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Vinod Tawde and state BJP chief Devendra Fadnavis that they were ready to hand over necessary documentary evidence to Madhav Chitale committee which is probing the Rs 70,000 crore irrigation scam in Maharashtra, Malik said it was a gimmick, as the committee already had these documents.