Pune, 4 Oct – As the Maharashtra assembly elections approach, political movements are intensifying. In a significant development, BJP leader Harshvardhan Patil is rumored to be planning his departure from the party, with plans to join the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). However, this move has sparked internal dissent within the NCP.
On Thursday, Harshvardhan Patil met with NCP chief Sharad Pawar at Silver Oak, where Supriya Sule was also present. Despite the high-profile meeting, reports indicate that Patil’s potential entry into the NCP has not been well received by some key leaders within the party’s Indapur unit. Many are expressing displeasure at Patil’s expected role, particularly over a coveted assembly seat in the region.
Praveen Mane’s Frustration Grows Amid Harshvardhan Patil’s Entry
Praveen Mane, a prominent NCP leader and key supporter (Pune News). of Supriya Sule during the Lok Sabha election campaign, is reportedly upset over Patil’s likely candidacy in Indapur. Mane had previously been assured of an assembly ticket by Sharad Pawar himself, but with Patil entering the fray, Mane’s chances are now uncertain. This dissatisfaction has created a visible rift in the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP in Indapur, as Mane prepares to take up the issue directly with Supriya Sule.
Internal Tensions Reflect in Indapur as Rival Factions Emerge
Earlier, banners referring to Praveen Mane as a “future MLA” had been seen across Indapur, signaling his high aspirations within the NCP. However, with Harshvardhan Patil’s anticipated entry into the party, Mane’s prospects are now in jeopardy. The growing internal tensions highlight the complexity of political alliances within the NCP, especially in regions like Indapur, where factionalism is becoming more apparent.
Devendra Fadnavis’ Attempt to Retain Mane in BJP
Interestingly, Praveen Mane had previously left the Ajit Pawar-led NCP faction to join Sharad Pawar’s camp. When Mane was considering his exit, senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis had reportedly made efforts to keep him in the party. Fadnavis even visited Mane’s residence to convince him to stay, but Mane remained firm in his decision to switch sides.
As the assembly elections draw nearer, the tug-of-war over key candidates and constituencies is heating up, with the Harshvardhan Patil case reflecting deeper internal challenges within the NCP.