Pune: Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Ajit Pawar indirectly criticized the recent induction of BJP leader Harshvardhan Patil into the NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction.

The remarks came amidst growing discontent among key local NCP (SP) leaders in Indapur, including Appasaheb Jagdale, Pravin Mane, and Bharat Shah, who are reportedly unhappy with Patil’s entry into the party.

While speaking to the media after inaugurating several development projects in Pimpri-Chinchwad, Ajit Pawar commented on the broader political scenario, stating that parties often need to "import" candidates when they lack strong contenders internally.

Referring to promises made during the last Lok Sabha elections, he said, "Some promises given to local leaders have now been pushed aside, and new faces have been brought in. We are witnessing this across different regions of the state."

The shift in leadership dynamics within the NCP comes as both Ajit Pawar and Sharad Pawar-led parties prepare for the upcoming elections, with internal conflicts and the recruitment of influential leaders like Harshvardhan Patil playing a critical role in shaping the party’s future trajectory.

Recently, Supriya Sule stated that the final decision regarding ticket distribution will be made in the coming days. She also addressed concerns about candidate selection, especially among long-standing supporters of Pawar who have been with him from the beginning.

Sule acknowledged the apprehensions of early supporters but assured them that no decisions would be made at their expense. "I will not make any decision that would hurt those who stood by us during challenging times," Sule said.

She emphasized that everyone has the right to request candidacy and encouraged all aspirants to engage in open discussions.