Rising Tensions Within NCP (SP)
Maharashtra’s political landscape is witnessing fresh turbulence as Shiv Sena minister Sanjay Shirsat claimed that Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) leader Jayant Patil is likely to join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Calling it a political “earthquake,” Shirsat suggested that internal conflicts within the Sharad Pawar-led faction are reaching a breaking point.
Jayant Patil, a senior leader and close confidant of Sharad Pawar, has been a key figure in NCP (SP). His potential defection to the Ajit Pawar faction would deal a major blow to the opposition bloc in Maharashtra. While Patil has not officially confirmed the move, speculation is growing over whether he will switch sides, given the shifting political equations in the state.
NCP’s Internal Rift and Growing Uncertainty
Ever since Ajit Pawar broke away from the NCP and joined hands with the BJP-Shiv Sena government in Maharashtra, the party has remained divided. The two factions—one led by Sharad Pawar and the other by Ajit Pawar—have been battling for political supremacy, with defections reshaping the party’s strength.
Jayant Patil has been a vocal critic of the Ajit Pawar-led faction, firmly standing with Sharad Pawar during the party’s split. However, reports suggest that growing frustrations within the NCP (SP) camp and the allure of power in the ruling alliance may be prompting Patil to reconsider his stance. If he does join Ajit Pawar’s camp, it would signify a major shift in Maharashtra’s political scene.
Political Reactions and Impact on Opposition Unity
Sanjay Shirsat’s statement has triggered reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. While NCP (SP) leaders have dismissed the claims as mere speculation, BJP and Ajit Pawar faction leaders have remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the possibility of Patil’s switch. The opposition alliance, including the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress, is closely watching the developments, as any major defection could weaken their collective stand against the BJP-led government.
The potential shift of Patil could also impact seat-sharing talks for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. If a senior leader like him joins the ruling camp, it may further strengthen Ajit Pawar’s position within the alliance while creating new challenges for the opposition’s electoral strategy.
Maharashtra Politics on the Brink of Another Shakeup
Maharashtra’s political scene has been highly volatile in recent years, with multiple realignments and defections shaping the power dynamics. From the split in Shiv Sena to the division of NCP, the state has witnessed one political upheaval after another. If Jayant Patil does move to the Ajit Pawar-led faction, it will be yet another major shakeup, altering the state’s political balance.
As of now, Patil has not made any public statement on the speculation, leaving room for further uncertainty. However, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether Sanjay Shirsat’s prediction of an “earthquake” in NCP (SP) turns into reality or remains a political rumor.
