Harshvardhan Patil Joins Sharad Pawar’s NCP Faction Ahead of Maharashtra Elections

In a significant political development ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly Elections, senior leader and former minister Harshvardhan Patil has switched sides from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to join Sharad Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) faction. The move comes after Patil’s fallout with the BJP regarding the allocation of the Indapur Assembly seat, which is currently held by Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.

Patil, a key political figure in Maharashtra, was formally welcomed into the NCP (SP) by party chief Sharad Pawar today (October 7). Speaking about his decision, Patil shared that he had extensive discussions with his supporters and Sharad Pawar before making the switch. “Since my supporters want me to contest from Indapur, I should take a call,” Patil told the media, signaling his intention to stand in the upcoming elections under the NCP (SP) banner.

It is widely anticipated that Patil will contest from his home turf, Indapur, where he is expected to face off against the sitting MLA, Dattatray Bharne, from Ajit Pawar’s NCP faction.

This shift is seen as a major blow to the BJP, as Patil’s exit could weaken the party’s position in Indapur, a key constituency in Maharashtra politics.