Pune: Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar may receive a setback in Pimpri-Chinchwad which is considered to be his stronghold, as 16 former corporators from Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) from Pimpri-Chinchwad met Sharad Pawar at his residence in Modi Baug in Shivajinagar late at night on Saturday (June 29).

When questioned by journalists about the meeting, Sharad Pawar confirmed this development on Sunday (June 30) morning.

Following the split within the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), a majority of representatives decided to join the faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

This raised questions about the future of the NCP under its founder, Sharad Pawar. However, Sharad Pawar demonstrated his political acumen during the Lok Sabha elections, securing eight seats for his party.

The post-election scenario is now shifting, with an increasing number of members from Ajit Pawar's faction gravitating towards Sharad Pawar. This growing support suggests that Sharad Pawar's faction is gaining momentum and could pose a significant challenge to Ajit Pawar's leadership.

Sharad Pawar is now focusing on the upcoming state assembly and local body elections. He has opened the doors of his party to leaders from other factions.

Recently, former BJP leader and ex-Union Minister Suryakanta Patil joined Sharad Pawar's NCP. Additionally, leaders from Ajit Pawar's faction in Kolhapur are reportedly in contact with Sharad Pawar. The meeting with former councilors from Pimpri-Chinchwad suggests potential challenges for Ajit Pawar.

Rohit Pawar, an MLA from Sharad Pawar's NCP, claimed that there would be significant incoming support before the assembly elections. He stated, "Many leaders from the Mahayuti alliance will be left watching as 18 to 19 MLAs are in contact with Sharad Pawar and Jayant Patil. Deciding whom to induct will be up to them. Jayant Patil is a smart leader, and this is just the beginning. There are many who want to join, and Sharad Pawar will decide who will be accepted."