The announcement was made by party working president Praful Patel during a high-level national executive meeting on Thursday; Parth Pawar is expected to secure a six-year term in the Upper House

At a public event, Beed MP Bajrang Sonawane from the NCP (SP) and MLA Sandeep Kshirsagar shared the stage with Ajit Pawar. Kshirsagar was also seen seeking the deputy chief minister’s blessings, a gesture that drew attention amid the ongoing political divide