Jayant Patil, the NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction’s Maharashtra state president, has resigned from his position. The announcement was made on Saturday, preceding the upcoming local body elections across Maharashtra, including the critical Mumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. Patil had served as the party’s state president for seven years.
Patil clarified that he had personally requested the party leadership to release him from his duties, thereby enabling the appointment of new leadership. It is understood that Shasikant Shinde is likely to become the new state president, with a final decision expected at the NCP (Sharad Pawar) executive meeting on Tuesday.
The BMC elections are shaping up to be highly competitive, with a direct contest expected between the BJP, the Shinde Sena, and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, against the Congress, the Shiv Sena led by Uddhav Thackeray, and the NCP (Sharad Pawar). The BMC elections hold significant importance, promising a fiercely contested battle. The stance of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray regarding his participation remains uncertain.
In June 2023, the NCP experienced a significant split. Ajit Pawar, Sharad Pawar’s nephew, along with 40 MLAs, left the party. In recent times, there has been speculation in Maharashtra’s political circles about a potential reunion between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar.
These speculations gained traction after several meetings between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar in recent months. Furthermore, recent developments, such as the alliance between former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray, indicate the potential for shifting political dynamics in Maharashtra.