The political scene in Maharashtra is buzzing after a late-night meeting between NCP State President Sunil Tatkare and NCP (SP) President Sharad Pawar at Pawar’s ‘Silver Oak’ residence. Tatkare described the meeting as a courtesy call regarding Pawar’s health, but others see deeper implications. Amidst the speculation, NCP (SP) legislator Rohit Pawar made bold claims of a significant political realignment in progress.
Rohit Pawar alleged that Tatkare and Praful Patel plan to contest through the BJP, bringing along 22 NCP MLAs, with even some from Eknath Shinde’s Shiv Sena in contact with the BJP. He also mentioned Maval MLA Sunil Shelke’s readiness to contest on a BJP ticket. Taking a sarcastic tone, Rohit Pawar hinted at underlying motives behind the Silver Oak visit.
Following the meeting, Tatkare clarified that the visit was solely personal and not politically motivated. He stressed that the purpose was to inquire about Sharad Pawar’s health after his recent hospital treatment, emphasizing no political discussions occurred. Tatkare highlighted Pawar’s mentorship and influence on his political journey, framing the visit within Maharashtra’s political traditions that transcend party lines.
The timing of this meeting gains significance after NCP President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar reshuffled the party’s National Executive, removing Patel and Tatkare from their positions. Despite claims of clerical errors, doubts linger, with some viewing these incidents as precursors to shifts within the NCP or potential alignments with the BJP. The Ajit Pawar faction attributes these occurrences to administrative mistakes, while the Sharad Pawar camp sees them as indicators of forthcoming changes.
