Jalgaon, July 18: Amidst swirling rumors regarding the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction led by Sharad Pawar potentially joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), NCP legislator Anil Patil has firmly denied these claims. He emphasized that the recent meeting between Jayant Patil, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should not be interpreted as a political alliance. This meeting was primarily focused on an administrative issue related to Jayant Patil’s constituency.
Speaking to reporters, Anil Patil stated, “Jayant Patil met with the Chief Minister two days ago to discuss a matter concerning his municipal area. This topic is linked to the urban development department, which is likely why he also met with the Deputy Chief Minister. It is inappropriate to draw any political conclusions from this meeting.”
Regarding the discussions about the NCP faction joining the NDA, he remarked, “There has been no official information from the party leadership on this matter. Supriya Sule recently clarified the party’s stance and various issues in an interview. Support for a bill by any legislator or MP does not imply that they have joined a coalition.”
He further explained, “Many representatives in Parliament and the Assembly support government decisions on various issues, but that does not mean they have become part of the government. Currently, there has been no statement from the Sharad Pawar faction of the NCP regarding joining the NDA.”
Anil Patil also addressed the meeting between Sunil Tatkare and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, stating, “It is a normal procedure for any MP or MLA to meet with the Chief Minister. Representatives frequently discuss issues and development projects related to their constituencies. Tatkare met with the Chief Minister regarding issues in his area and informed party leaders about this meeting.”
On the meeting involving Parth Pawar with the Chief Minister, he noted, “With upcoming sessions in the Assembly and Parliament, representatives continue to discuss their regions and political matters. Parth Pawar is also a party MP, and it is possible he discussed his constituency or upcoming initiatives with the Chief Minister.”
Regarding rumors about becoming the state president of the NCP, he stated, “I am also learning about such information through the media. The current state president is doing a commendable job and has strengthened the organization across the state. There has been no discussion about a leadership change within the party. According to the NCP’s constitution, there is a process for electing the state president, which involves organizational procedures at the taluka and district levels before a state president is selected. This process takes time, and there is no current situation warranting such a change.”
When asked about potential changes in the Maharashtra government and the Delhi visits of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Eknath Shinde, Patil responded that senior leaders frequently travel to Delhi for party meetings and strategy discussions. Information regarding cabinet expansion or significant changes will only emerge once a decision is made.
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SCN
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