India, Feb. 2 -- Abhishek Verma, the Delhi-based businessman who has faced several charges pertaining to corruption in arms deals, money-laundering and even forgery, and was jailed for several years, joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena on January 30. Shinde has appointed him as the party's chief national coordinator (elections and alliances).

The Sena put out a press release on Thursday evening, calling Verma "Delhi's famous industrialist" and described how he met Shinde at his Muktagiri bungalow to join the party. "On this occasion, deputy chief minister Shinde welcomed him into the party and wished him well for his future social and political journey," says the release, adding that Verma was handed his appointment letter by Shinde....