Pune: In a surprising turn of political events, Nana Kate, a key leader of the Mahayuti alliance from the Chinchwad Assembly Constituency, is reportedly exploring the possibility of joining the Sharad Pawar-led faction of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
Simultaneously, Rahul Kalate, an independent candidate in the recent Chinchwad by-election and a former member of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), is also attempting to align himself with the same faction.
According to reliable sources, both leaders have shown interest in joining the Sharad Pawar faction, with discussions underway. This development adds a new twist to the ongoing political maneuvering in the Chinchwad Assembly constituency, where a deadlock has emerged between the Maha Vikas Aghadi and Mahayuti alliances over candidate selection for the upcoming elections.
The BJP's current MLA, Ashwini Jagtap, along with other aspirants like city president Shankar Jagtap, Shatrughna Kate, and Chandrakant Nakhate, are in the running for the Chinchwad seat.
However, Nana Kate, a prominent figure from the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, has made his intentions clear. If the Mahayuti decides to allocate the Chinchwad seat to the BJP, Kate is prepared to contest either as an independent candidate or from another political party.
Nana Kate’s potential move to the Sharad Pawar faction is seen as a strategic realignment, as he continues to navigate the internal complexities of the Mahayuti alliance. Kate is reportedly waiting for the right moment to make his move.
On the other hand, Rahul Kalate, who contested the Chinchwad by-election as an independent candidate after distancing himself from the Shiv Sena (Thackeray faction), is also preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Although Kalate has not finalized his party affiliation, he has hinted at joining a new political fold. Kalate, who was disappointed with the Shiv Sena leadership during the by-election, stated that the party has not taken any disciplinary action against him.
Kalate has been actively meeting with political leaders to secure strong backing for his candidacy. Both Kate and Kalate are positioning themselves for potential shifts in the political landscape, and it remains to be seen who will ultimately secure a place in the Sharad Pawar faction.