Pune: Nana Kate, a prominent political figure from Pimpri-Chinchwad, has announced his intention to join NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) faction before the election code of conduct comes into effect.

This development comes in light of the likely allocation of the Chinchwad Assembly seat to BJP's Ashwini Jagtap, following the alliance formed by Ajit Pawar with the Mahayuti.

In the previous Chinchwad Assembly by-election, Ashwini Jagtap secured victory over Nana Kate, who was the candidate from the NCP under the Maha Vikas Aghadi.

However, with Ajit Pawar now part of the BJP-led Mahayuti and Ashwini Jagtap expected to receive the assembly ticket once again, Nana Kate appears to be left with no role in the current political scenario.

Given these circumstances, Kate has decided to switch allegiances to Sharad Pawar’s camp, signaling a major shift in Pimpri-Chinchwad’s political landscape.

During a recent statement, Nana Kate revealed his plans to take a new political direction before the election code is enforced. "I will choose a new path before the election code of conduct is implemented, with my connection to Sharad Pawar Saheb being stronger after Ajit Pawar," Kate said.

He further hinted that this move would align him with Sharad Pawar’s NCP faction, stressing that the political winds are changing in the region.

Pimpri-Chinchwad has long been considered a bastion of the NCP and Ajit Pawar, with loyal supporters backing him through various political transitions. Nana Kate, once seen as a staunch supporter of Ajit Pawar, is now expected to leave the Mahayuti and switch to Sharad Pawar's side.

Political analysts predict this move could deal a significant blow to Ajit Pawar in the Chinchwad Assembly, particularly with the seat expected to go to the BJP under the alliance's seat-sharing arrangement.