Pune: The political landscape in Maharashtra is heating up as elections approach, with leaders from various parties switching allegiance in hopes of securing candidacy.

The Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), led by senior leader Sharad Pawar, is witnessing a notable influx of leaders following the Lok Sabha elections.

Recently, Harshvardhan Patil joined Pawar's faction, and now former Rajya Sabha MP and current BJP state vice-president Sanjay Kakade is preparing to make a significant shift by leaving the BJP to join Sharad Pawar’s camp.

Kakade's anticipated move could reshape the political equation in Pune district. He has indicated that he will hold a formal meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis before officially joining the NCP after the Dussehra festival.

Sanjay Kakade, who has been a prominent figure in the BJP as its state vice-president and a former independent MP, has garnered support across all eight assembly constituencies in Pune.

His influence is particularly crucial during the Pune Municipal Corporation elections, and he is known for his strong relationships with leaders from various political parties.

Recognized as a key Maratha face in the region, Kakade's shift to the NCP may have significant implications for the local political landscape.

Recently, Sharad Pawar, without explicitly mentioning names, indicated that Ramraje Nimbalkar is also likely to join his faction of the NCP. While addressing a gathering in Indapur, Pawar shared that he had been invited to a similar event happening in Phaltan on October 14, reinforcing the possibility of more political alignments in his favor.