Jayant Patil, the Maharashtra state president of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), has resigned from his post. This move precedes the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and other local body polls throughout Maharashtra. Patil’s tenure as the party’s state president spanned seven years.
Patil mentioned that he had himself requested the party leadership to allow him to step down and facilitate the appointment of new leadership. Reports suggest that Shashikant Shinde is the likely successor, with the final decision expected at the NCP (Sharad Pawar) executive meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
The BMC elections are shaping up to be a highly competitive affair. The main contest is anticipated between the BJP, the Shinde Sena, and the NCP faction led by Ajit Pawar, against a coalition comprising the Congress, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar). The BMC elections carry significant prestige, and a fierce battle is expected. Meanwhile, the political alignment of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray remains uncertain.
In June 2023, a significant division within the NCP saw Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s nephew, along with 40 MLAs, breaking away from the party. Rumors of a potential reunion between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar gained traction in Maharashtra’s political circles last month.
These rumors were fueled by several meetings between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in recent months. The political dynamics are evolving, particularly after the recent appearance of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and MNS chief Raj Thackeray on the same stage, suggesting the formation of new political alliances.