Major Blow to Sharad Pawar Faction as Former Minister Satish Patil Set to Join Ajit Pawar’s NCP in Jalgaon
Jalgaon, 30th April 2025: In a significant setback for the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) in North Maharashtra, former minister Dr. Satish Patil from Jalgaon has decided to switch allegiance to the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. Patil, a prominent leader with a strong organisational base in the region, will formally join Ajit Pawar’s camp in Mumbai on 3rd May, accompanied by several key office-bearers and supporters. This move is expected to further weaken the Sharad Pawar faction’s influence in Jalgaon ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
The defection comes at a critical time, as the Sharad Pawar-led NCP has already faced setbacks in recent Assembly elections in Jalgaon, leading to growing discontent among party workers. Patil, who previously contested the Erandol Assembly seat on the NCP-SP ticket but lost, had reportedly been dissatisfied for some time. His decision to join Ajit Pawar’s group is seen as a strategic move to align with the ruling side and boost prospects for his supporters.
District Ajit Pawar-led NCP president Sanjay Pawar has confirmed the development, stating that discussions with local workers are underway to finalise the official joining date. Alongside Patil, former minister Gulabrao Deokar and several former MLAs and office-bearers are also expected to join Ajit Pawar’s NCP, further consolidating the faction’s strength in Jalgaon.
