The missing 6: The ‘unaccounted for’ NCP MLAs

A look at the six who didn’t turn up at either of the meetings called by Ajit and Sharad Pawar respectively on Wednesday, and where they stand:

Saroj Ahire

Age: 41

Constituency: Deolali (SC)

Stand: Ahire said she could attend either event as she was in her constituency. She respects both Pawar and Ajit, she said, and will decide her stand “after speaking with people in my constituency”

Chandrakant alias Raju Nawghare

Age: 41

Constituency: Vasmat

Stand: Nawghare said he was campaigning for local cooperative sugar mill elections and hence was not present at either of the two meetings. He said he will announce his decision after July 9.

Atul Benake

Age: 42

Constituency: Junnar

Stand: Benake was seen with Ajit when the latter first surfaced on the BJP’s side and announced his rebellion. But Benake later backtracked and said he stands with “the Pawar family”. Benake said he will “consult with the people in my constituency” before taking a final call.

Daulat Daroda

Age: 55

Constituency: Shahapur (ST)

Stand: Though he did not attend the meeting called by Sharad Pawar, Daroda has said he supports the senior leader and cannot be part of a government in which Eknath Shinde is the Chief Minister.

Ashutosh Kale

Age: 37

Constituency: Kopargaon

Stand: Kale is currently out of India and not reachable.

Nawab Malik

Age: 64

Constituency: Anushaktinagar

Stand: Malik has been in jail for some time now on money laundering charges, and hence could not be contacted.