Lok Sabha elections 2024: NCP (SP) gathers momentum as Shiv Sena MLA joins Sharad Pawar

Former Shiv Sena MLA Narayan Aba Patil joins NCP (SP). Pic/Anurag Ahire

In yet another setback to Ranjeetsinh Naik Nimbalkar, sitting BJP MP and Mahayuti candidate from Madha Lok Sabha constituency, a former Shiv Sena MLA from Karmala Assembly constituency, Narayan Aba Patil, joined NCP (SP) in the presence of Sharad Pawar on Friday. Nimbalkar is contesting against NCP's Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil.

Mohite Patil who had joined BJP just before the 2019 general elections switched from BJP to NCP (SP) before the 2024 Lok Sabha elections to contest from Madha constituency. His family holds significant power in Solapur, with his uncle, Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, being a former deputy chief minister of Maharashtra. Vijaysinh also rejoined Sharad Pawar's faction. Meanwhile, Ramraje Nimbalkar, a relative of Ranjeetsinh Naik Nimbalkar, holds influence in the NCP (Ajit Pawar) faction but has refused to campaign for Ranjeetsinh.

Supporters hydrating themselves. Pic/Anurag Ahire

Reports suggest pressure from Ramraje Nimbalkar's supporters for him to return to the NCP (SP) and secure a Lok Sabha ticket for his brother Sanjeevraje Nimbalkar. On Friday, a public rally supporting Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil took place in Karmala Assembly constituency. NCP (SP) leaders, including Sharad Pawar, Vijaysinh Mohite Patil, Rohit Pawar, and local MVA leaders, attended the event. Bhushansiha Raje Holkar, a descendant of Ahilyabai Holkar, queen from the Holkar dynasty of Indore, criticised the BJP during his speech, alleging they did nothing for the common people.

"We support the candidature of Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil, and we are confident that all our people will vote for him. If you want to save democracy, then we should all stand behind Sharad Pawar saheb," Holkar said.

Despite the scorching summer, many people attended the rally to hear Sharad Pawar. NCP (SP) faction MLA and his grandson Rohit Pawar also criticised the government. He expressed confidence that the people will vote in favour of MVA candidates across the state. Sandip Pawar, a villager who attended the rally, said, "The issue of water is a very serious one in Madha Lok Sabha constituency and there needs to be a solution to this as the livelihood of farmers is dependent on it."

The members associated with Sambhaji Brigade and Raju Shetty's supporters from Karmala support Madha candidate Dhairyasheel Mohite Patil. Speaking on the occasion, Sharad Pawar, NCP (SP) chief, said, "Modi saheb is ruling like a dictator. Whoever speaks against the government has to go behind bars. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind is put behind bars just because he criticised the government. The need of the hour is to act or else a time will come where you won't be able to say anything."