NCP MLAs not in touch with anyone, party united, says Sunil Shelke on Raut's claim

Political activity has picked up again in the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut had claimed that 20 to 22 MLAs of the Ajit Pawar camp were preparing to leave the party. The statement set off discussion in political circles.

Raut had said these 20 to 22 MLAs of the NCP led by Sunetra Pawar could quit the party. He had also said the MLAs were in touch with Sharad Pawar. It later emerged that MLAs were being contacted from Sunetra Pawar's office.

Meanwhile, NCP leaders held a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar. After the meeting, MLA Sunil Shelke responded strongly to Raut's claim while speaking to the media.

Shelke said none of their MLAs was in touch with anyone. According to him, no call has come to them from Sharad Pawar or any leader of his party. Taking a dig at Raut, he said he did not understand since when Sanjay Raut had started making predictions.

Shelke also asked what was wrong if they met Mahayuti leaders. He said the NCP's MLAs were united and talk of a split in the party was baseless.

On the meeting, Shelke said all the MLAs had faith in Sunetra Pawar's leadership. He said Sunil Tatkare, Praful Patel and Sunetra Pawar were all together. Shelke also said that after Ajitdada, they saw Sunetra Pawar as his successor.

On talk of a merger, Shelke clarified that the merger of the two NCP factions was not an issue at today's meeting at all. He said that at the meeting held at the Devgiri bungalow last week, MLAs had raised problems of their constituencies and other issues.

Following Raut's claim, the NCP's MLAs have spoken of unity. Attention now turns to what stand Sunetra Pawar and the party's senior leaders take on these political developments.