As many as 22 MLAs belonging to the Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar-led NCP met NCP founder Sharad Pawar, party sources informally revealed here on Wednesday, though there is no word yet about what was discussed at the meeting.
The development comes after the sidelining of senior leaders of the party like Sumil Tatkare and Praful Patel met Sharad Pawar a few days ago after they were sidelined within the party by Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar.
There was also another move by some MLAs to leave the Sunetra Pawar-led NCP and join the BJP.
According to sources, some MLAs from the Sunetra Ajit Pawar-led NCP are currently skeptical about their political future.
There is discontent about the leadership of the party, as well as equations at the local level. Those MLAs who are not willing to go with the BJP are eager to join the Sharad Pawar-led NCP, sources said.
It is for the first time that doubts are being expressed about the leadership of Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar and her son Parth Pawar. Until recently, it was believed that only MLAs who support Sunil Tatkare, Praful Patel and the BJP had misgivings about Deputy CM Sunetra Pawar’s leadership.
Since both Sunetra Pawar as well as her son Parth Pawar lack the kind of seasoned political acumen and experience which the late Ajit Pawar was known for, the MLAs view them as political greenhorns, sources said.
Political observers are of the view that hiring political strategist Prashant Kishore and his I-PAC organisation who will begin working for the Sunetra Ajit Pawar-led NCP from June 1 must be seen in this context.
According to a deal with Prashant Kishore’s company, Kishore will be active as the strategist of the Sunetra Ajit PAwar-led NCP and he will pay attention to strengthening the party’s image, social media campaigns, increasing communication with voters as well as strengthening the party at the booth level.
Previously, the party’s image management was handled by a company called Design Box whose links with VSR Aviation which rented the ill-fated aircraft used by the late Ajit Pawar became controversial.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the Sharad Pawar-led NCP was held here on Wednesday. Sharad Pawar-led NCP’s state president Shashikant Shinde stated that a discussion about strengthening the party organisation took place.
When Shashikant Shinde was asked a question about 22 MLAs meeting his party chief Sharad Pawar, he denied it by saying, “I am not aware of any such development, but if any proposal is received, we will definitely consider it. If they want to work under the leadership of Sharad Pawar, we will definitely consider it”.