India, Oct. 19 -- With the BJP trying to corner NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil on his home turf Sangli, politicians from across party lines have joined hands to support him. This has resulted in the strange situation of foes turning friends before the local body polls, posing a challenge for the BJP which is currently beset with infighting within the party in Sangli, as its leaders there are upset about the party leadership giving prominence to Gopichand Padalkar, a BJP MLA from Jat and a Dhangar (shepherd) community leader.

Padalkar, has been in the news for the last two weeks for repeatedly attacking NCP (SP) leader Jayant Patil. He did it yet again in a public meeting in Sangli two days ago. His below-the-belt remarks are seen as the BJ...