Ajit Benke, a Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLA, met Sharad Pawar, president of the NCP (SP), in Pune. This sparked speculation, coming after the resignation of Ajit Gavhane, a leader of the Ajit Pawar faction of the NCP, and two former council members.
Benke, the MLA from Junnar, met Pawar at the residence of Amol Kolhe, a NCP (SP) leader. While Pawar downplayed the meeting, saying Benke was a friend’s son, Benke didn’t clarify his intentions. When asked about his allegiance during the upcoming assembly elections, Benke hinted at possible changes, including a potential reunion of the NCP factions. He also mentioned that he stayed with the Ajit Pawar faction after the split due to benefits for his constituency.
Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister, commented that Benke should be questioned about the purpose of the meeting.