In the midst of Maharashtra Assembly election campaign, Sharad Pawar faction’s NCP has suffered a major setback. Sharad Pawar was on a visit to Indapur today, but soon after his return, divisions emerged in the party. Appasaheb Jagdale, the dissident leader of Sharad Pawar faction in Indapur, has announced to support Ajit Pawar faction’s candidate Dattatray Bharane in the mid-elections.
According to the report of TV9 Marathi, Jagdale had expressed his displeasure over the candidature of Sharad Pawar faction leader Harshvardhan Patil from Indapur seat. Jagdale had said that he would not support a person who lies in front of the public. It is believed that seeing his displeasure, Sharad Pawar had reached Indapur, but as soon as he returned, Jagdale played the game. Jagdale may soon join NCP Ajit Pawar faction.
Will campaign for Ajit Pawar group’s candidate
Jagdale has not only supported Dattatreya Bharne, there is talk that under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Jagdale will now also campaign for Dattatreya Bharne. Attacking Harshvardhan Patil, he said that he will not support a person who lies in front of the public. After this he announced to leave his post. It is believed that due to this decision of Jagdale, Sharad Pawar’s party has come on the backfoot in Indapur seat.
Had avoided meeting Jagdale
Sharad Pawar was on a tour of Indapur today. He met party officials who were upset over giving ticket to Harshvardhan Patil, but avoided meeting Jagdale and nationalist Sharad Pawar group’s rebel candidate Praveen Mane. Soon after this Jagdale announced his decision. Jagdale’s change of party in the mid-election may prove to be harmful for Harshvardhan Patil also.
Election fight between two alliances
The fight in Maharashtra Assembly elections is mainly between two alliances. On one side is the ruling grand alliance which includes Shiv Sena of Eknath Shinde group, BJP and NCP of Ajit Pawar group. On the other hand, there is Mahavikas Aghadi which includes Shiv Sena of Uddhav Thackeray group, NCP of Sharad Pawar group and Congress. The seat sharing formula has also been finalized by the political parties and the names of the candidates have also been announced and nominations have been done.
Monday is the last day for withdrawal of nominations.
Tomorrow i.e. Monday is the last day for withdrawal of nominations. There are about 50 rebel leaders from both the alliances who have joined the independent alliance after being unhappy with not getting tickets. In such a situation, only a few hours are left for the political parties to convince the rebels.