“Bodke had joined NCP at a rally on January 10. However, he submitted his resignation as party member on Tuesday which has been accepted by the party,” city NCP spokesperson Ankush Kakade said in a statement.

In a letter, Bodke said he was resigning as his joining NCP is being made into a political controversy. “The opponents have launched a tirade against NCP leader Ajit Pawar and they are defaming the party. I don’t want that to happen because of me and I am resigning from the party,” Bodke said, adding, he had no political ambition and wanted to come into mainstream by doing social work. NCP leader Ajit Pawar too on Sunday had averted queries on the induction of Bodke into the party.

Meanwhile, Kalmadi has expressed concern over criminals joining politics. “We are not in favour of inducting criminals into the party. There have been no criminals in the city unit of Congress since I took over the control of party affairs,” Kalmadi told reporters. Interestingly, he was accompanied by leaders against whom cases are registered.

About Bodke joining NCP in presence of Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar, Kalmadi said: “I have nothing to say on what NCP leaders are doing in their party”.

The Congress is not following the lines of other political parties, Kalmadi said, adding, he would raise the issue with NCP chief Sharad Pawar on the growing criminalisation of politics.

On the NCP seeking more seats, including Pune city, for Lok Sabha polls, he said: “Many political parties will seek the coveted seat. It is up to the high command to decide on it.” He said there are many leaders within the Congress party who are keen to contest the Pune Lok Sabha seat.