Ajit Pawar camp MLA meets Sharad Pawar amid party exodus

Atul Benke, an MLA from the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), met with Sharad Pawar, the president of NCP (SP), in Pune on Saturday.

This meeting has sparked speculation, particularly following the recent resignation of Ajit Gavhane, the Pimpri-Chinchwad unit chief of the Ajit Pawar-led faction, along with two former corporators.

Benke, who represents Junnar in Pune district, met Sharad Pawar at the residence of Amol Kolhe, the MP from Shirur and a leader in the NCP (SP).

When questioned by reporters, Sharad Pawar downplayed the significance of the meeting, stating, "Several people come to meet me. He is my friend's son." He emphasized that those who supported their candidates in the Lok Sabha elections are still considered their people, and their interests must be protected.

Benke remained non-committal about his future political allegiance, particularly regarding which NCP faction he would support in the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. He remarked, "There is still time for elections. Anything can happen....in the Mahayuti seat-sharing, or Dada (Ajit Pawar) and Saheb (Sharad Pawar) can come together."

Ajit Pawar, who joined the ruling Mahayuti alliance with the Shiv Sena and BJP in July 2023 by splitting the NCP and subsequently became Maharashtra's deputy chief minister, commented on the meeting. He suggested reporters ask Benke directly about his reasons for meeting Sharad Pawar, adding, "So what....many MLAs come to meet me as well. Ask Atul Benke the reason of his meeting."

Benke explained his decision to align with the Ajit Pawar-led faction post the NCP split was made in the interest of his constituency. He noted that two irrigation projects had been sanctioned in Junnar following his decision.