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Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil’s decision to quit the BJP and join NCP (SP) has boosted the confidence of MVA in the constituencies around Madha. In swift fashion, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar and senior Congress leader Sushilkumar Shinde have planned to meet Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil, head of the family and former deputy chief minister, for lunch in order to solidify support from the family. Both Baramati, Solapur are going to polls on May 7.
Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil is the nephew of Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil and the family is influential in parts of Solapur, Baramati and Satara constituency.
Sharad Pawar’s daughter, Supriya Sule is facing a tough challenge in baramati from Sunetra Pawar, wife of Ajit Pawar, while Sushilkumar Shinde’s daughter, Praniti is contesting from Solapur seat as Congress candidate against Ram Satpute of the BJP. Shashikant Shinde of NCP (SP) is contesting from Satara seat.
“Dhairyasheel Mohite-Patil will join NCP (SP) on Sunday afternoon before Pawar and Shinde will have lunch meeting with Vijaysinh Mohite-Patil,” said a NCP (SP) leader.
The Mohite-Patil family have already begun working for Sule in Baramati and will now do it for Shinde in Solapur, he said, adding that Dhairyasheel will file his nomination from Madha on April 16 in presence of Sharad Pawar.
Meanwhile, there is uneasiness in the rival camp with BJP and the Ajit Pawar led NCP leaders in Madha alleging each other of mistreatment. BJP leader Devendra Fadanavis and NCP chief Ajit Pawar are mediating between the leaders of both the parties while urging them to work for the goal of Mahayuti.
Mohite-Patil was upset with the BJP for not giving candidature to Dhairyasheel and had opposed a party ticket to sitting BJP MP Ranjit Naik Nimbalkar.
