Buzz within NCP on Jayant Patil joining Ajit Pawar camp

Ever since Ajit Pawar led the rebellion and his group staked claim on the party name as well as the symbol, the post of legislative party leader has gained importance to gain absolute control over the legislative party. Patil has already written to Speaker Rahul Narvekar, demanding disqualification of Ajit Pawar and eight others.

With the threat of disqualification hanging over the head and no clarity on actual legislative strength of Ajit’s group, a majority of NCP MLAs chose not to attend the house throughout the monsoon session to avoid display of loyalty towards either of the NCP factions. Patil’s induction into the ruling state government is vital to not only affirm that a majority of NCP MLAs support Ajit Pawar but also to stake claim on the party, which is one of the crucial factors for the ruling coalition.

According to sources privy to the developments, Patil was called for a meeting with Ajit Pawar and Fadnavis, where he was offered a ministerial berth in the present government in the upcoming cabinet expansion.

In a lighter banter within the Legislative Assembly, Ajit Pawar even taunted Patil that he and Fadnavis are waiting for his attention. Patil’s friendly interaction with senior leader Sunil Tatkare, who has pledged support to Ajit Pawar, and later with Pawar himself in public view has grabbed attention and sparked speculations.

Patil, however, has maintained that there was no question of leaving Sharad Pawar’s side. “We have known each other for years and having a friendly chat is only natural, which may continue even in future. But that does not mean that I am going anywhere,” Patil had said during the session. However, the NCP state unit chief has not commented on the alleged meetings between him and members of the ruling alliance regarding joining the government.

Interestingly, Ajit Pawar had used Patil’s tenure of over five years as the state unit chief as one of the excuses to part ways from his uncle. Both leaders have been seen as competitors within the party. Patil has remained with Sharad Pawar’s side ever since the rebellion.