Senior NCP leader Jayant Patil, who is a Sharad Pawar loyalist, on Sunday, denied holding any secret meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Pune. Patil also put an end to rumours and speculation that he was planning to switch to the Ajit Pawar-led group in the Shiv Sena-BJP government. Notably, Patil said he was with Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) Chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday evening and later met other senior colleagues like Anil Deshmukh, Rajesh Tope, and Sunil Bhusara at his home, reported news agency PTI.
Patil was quoted as saying by PTI: "They were at my house till 1.30 AM, I met Sharad Pawar again this morning. Those who spread these rumours should answer at what time I met Amit Shah in Pune and show proof.”
While talking to reporters, Patil, who heads the Maharashtra NCP, also emphasised that he is always with Sharad Pawar and that all such speculations should stop. Meanwhile, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad also said that reports of Jayant Patil meeting Shah are baseless. He too said he will be with Sharad Pawar till his last breath.
The remarks come after Amit Shah launched the digital portal of the Central Registrar of Cooperative Societies (CRCS) office in Pune on Sunday.
Patil further said that his only aim is to expand the NCP's base. Commenting further, he said there was no pressure on him to switch sides and he hasn't held talks with anyone.
"I attended the MVA meeting (on Saturday) for organising the INDIA conclave in Mumbai. I am part of the organising committee, so it is evident why such speculations are coming,” he said, as quoted by PTI.
Last month, Ajit Pawar and eight MLAs of NCP joined the Eknath Shinde-led state government. Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister and the eight MLAs were appointed as cabinet ministers.