Pune: In a significant political development, Dnyaneshwar Katke, former district chief of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Monday (October 21).
The induction ceremony took place at the residence of Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Mumbai, with party president Sunil Tatkare in attendance. Katke’s entry into the NCP is widely seen as a confirmation of his candidacy for the Shirur-Haveli constituency in the upcoming elections.
This move sets the stage for an intense electoral battle between the two NCP factions. The NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar) has already announced Ashok Pawar as its candidate for the Shirur-Haveli constituency, making a head-to-head contest between Ashok Pawar and Dnyaneshwar Katke almost inevitable.
The Shirur-Haveli seat has been the focus of a power struggle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Ajit Pawar-led NCP.
BJP candidates Pradeep Kand and Dnyaneshwar Katke had been actively campaigning for the party’s nomination. The BJP was confident that the seat would remain with them, with both Kand and Katke stationed in Mumbai, vying for the position.
However, neither the BJP nor the Ajit Pawar-led NCP had formally announced their candidate for the constituency.
Katke, who was hopeful of securing a ticket from the NCP, has now officially joined the party, and his candidacy is seen as almost certain. This development has intensified the rivalry within the Mahayuti, with a fierce competition for the nomination.
It remains to be seen how BJP candidate Pradeep Kand will respond to this situation and whether BJP officials and workers will adhere to the Mahayuti directives.
With only 15 days remaining until the election, Katke has limited time for his campaign, whereas Ashok Pawar has already started his outreach efforts.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders in Haveli expressed disappointment at Katke’s move, stating, "Jai Maharashtra! We express our heartfelt thanks to Ajit Dada Pawar.
The entry of Dnyaneshwar Katke has created a significant setback for the Ajit Pawar-led NCP and its loyal workers. The consequences of this move will be seen in the coming days."
