Sharad Pawar
Sharad Pawar, who had previously stated he wouldn’t bring back MLAs who sided with Ajit Pawar, was asked about this again on Tuesday. He responded that there’s no issue with re-inducting leaders if it benefits the party and motivates the workers. However, he mentioned that leaders who left the party, took advantage of it, and tried to harm it afterward would need consultation with other leaders, and their opinions would be respected.
Pawar made these remarks while addressing the media after welcoming former Union Minister Suryakanta Patil back into the party. She had resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) three days earlier. Patil, aged 75 and from Marathwada, had originally left the undivided NCP in 2014 to join the BJP.
There is speculation in political circles that many rebel MLAs are considering returning to the NCP (SP) because they are uncertain about their chances of winning in the upcoming elections. This uncertainty stems from the strong performance of the opposition Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the recent Lok Sabha elections. The MVA, which includes the Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and NCP (SP), collectively won 30 out of Maharashtra’s 48 seats. In contrast, Ajit Pawar’s NCP contributed only one seat to the ruling Mahayuti alliance’s total of 17 seats.
According to state NCP (SP) president Jayant Patil, many leaders are interested in returning to the party. He mentioned that this includes not only MLAs and ministers but also ordinary workers who have lost their way.
However, Maharashtra NCP (Ajit Pawar) president Sunil Tatkare clarified that the party remains united. He stated firmly that no MLA from their party will leave, emphasizing their loyalty to Ajit Dada Pawar.
Deputy Speaker and NCP MLA Narhari Zirwal, who was seen interacting with newly elected NCP (SP) MP Bhaskar Bhagare, clarified that he will remain with the Ajit Pawar camp. Zirwal expressed that while Sharad Pawar has always supported him, he values Ajit Pawar’s leadership amidst the current challenges.
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‘Made a mistake’
On joining the NCP (SP), Ms. Patil admitted, “I made a mistake by joining the BJP. I didn’t do any work there for 10 years. I left the NCP in anger. I request Sharad Pawar Saheb to give me a chance to work for the party.”
She had left the undivided NCP to join the BJP in 2014. Ms. Patil’s return to Mr. Sharad Pawar’s side is expected to strengthen the party’s chances in Marathwada’s Nanded, Hingoli, Parbhani, Beed, and parts of the Vidarbha region, including Yavatmal.
After the Mahayuti alliance’s disappointing performance in the Lok Sabha elections, leaders of the MVA (Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi) have been openly discussing how many rebel members are interested in returning to parties within the opposition alliance. Jayant Patil, the NCP (SP) State president, stated that 10-15 MLAs are in contact with Mr. Sharad Pawar. Member of Parliament from Baramati and Mr. Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule, had expressed her willingness two weeks ago to meet with such leaders who may be considering switching sides.
In July last year, during the split in the NCP, 41 MLAs supported the nephew (Ajit Pawar), while only 11 supported the uncle (Sharad Pawar). In the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra, out of the 48 seats, the MVA allies secured 30 seats — NCP (SP) won eight seats, Shiv Sena (UBT) secured nine seats, and the Congress won 13 seats.
On the other hand, the Mahayuti alliance won 17 seats — Ajit Pawar’s NCP managed to win only one seat, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena secured seven seats, and the BJP won nine seats. The only independent candidate who won extended support to the Congress.
