Pune: In a candid revelation, former minister Harshavardhan Patil has shed light on his behind-the-scenes role in helping Supriya Sule secure a significant vote lead in the Indapur assembly constituency during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Speaking at a rally where he officially joined the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), Patil emphasized the "invisible hand" he played in ensuring Sule’s victory in a fiercely contested electoral battle.

Patil, who was previously aligned with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), disclosed that while he was not publicly campaigning for Sule, his strategic influence in the region contributed to her success.

"Supriya Sule is like a sister to us, and we take immense pride in her political achievements. While our direct involvement in her electoral success was evident in the past three elections, this time, during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, my support remained discreet. My contribution may not have been visible, but it played a key role in securing the vote lead in Indapur," Patil said.

Patil’s decision to openly acknowledge his role comes as he officially returned to the NCP fold, where he was welcomed by party president Sharad Pawar at a massive rally in Indapur.

During the event, Patil did not hold back his admiration for Sharad Pawar, describing him as the "Big Boss" of Maharashtra politics. He praised Pawar’s leadership and expressed his belief that the NCP would bring the necessary changes to improve the lives of people in the Indapur region.