'Will Welcome Those From Ajit Pawar Camp Who...': Sharad Pawar As NCP-SP Claims MLAs In Contact

Ahead of Maharashtra's Assembly elections, NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar welcomes potential defections from Ajit Pawar's faction but has a condition.

File photo of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and former CM Sharad Pawar

Source : Getty Images

 As Maharashtra gears up for the upcoming Assembly elections, the political scene is heating up with speculations of movements between the factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). NCP-SP chief Sharad Pawar addressed recent rumours regarding the potential return of leaders from the Ajit Pawar faction to his camp.

When asked whether the doors of his party would be open to those wishing to return from Ajit Pawar's faction, Sharad Pawar stated, "We welcome those from the Ajit Pawar group who will be beneficial to us and will not tarnish the image of our party. Those who have caused harm to the party will not be taken back."

NCP-SP Leaders Claim MLAs Of Ajit Pawar-led NCP In Touch To Jump Ship

A few days ago, the Sharad Pawar faction claimed that around 10-15 legislators from Ajit Pawar-led NCP were in touch with them. These claims are surfacing just months before the Assembly elections. Without naming any party, NCP (Sharad Pawar) state president Jayant Patil mentioned that several leaders are in contact with their group.

Adding fuel to the political fire, Sharad Pawar's grandson, Rohit Pawar, recently asserted that 18-19 MLAs from Ajit Pawar's party are in touch with the NCP-SP and might make a decision after the monsoon session of the Assembly.

Amidst the political upheaval, there are discussions that Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde might soon expand the cabinet to placate disgruntled leaders. This follows the Mahayuti alliance's underwhelming performance in the Lok Sabha elections, which led the allied NCP to demand an immediate cabinet expansion.  

The recent Lok Sabha results saw Sharad Pawar’s party win eight out of 10 seats it contested while the Ajit Pawar-led NCP managed to win only one of the four seats it fought.