Sharad Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), has escalated his criticism of former allies who joined Ajit Pawar’s faction. Pawar called Dilip Walse Patil a “traitor” during a recent rally, expressing his disappointment over the betrayal. This follows similar accusations against Chhagan Bhujbal for aligning with the rival faction in 2023.
Political observers highlight the intense nature of this election, with key constituencies locked in tight battles. Abhay Deshpande noted that the rift within the Pawar family and among former allies has added a dramatic element to the campaign.
Walse Patil, a long-time Pawar loyalist, now faces off against Devdatta Nikam, a candidate from the Sharad Pawar-led NCP faction. During a rally in Ambegaon, Pawar promised to defeat Walse Patil at the polls, accusing him of betraying the party. In response, Walse Patil announced he would address the allegations during his campaign’s final meeting on November 18.
Pawar also targeted Bhujbal in a rally in Yeola, criticizing his actions and accusing him of damaging the reputation of the area. Bhujbal responded by alleging that Pawar had orchestrated the split within the Shiv Sena, further fueling the ongoing political drama in Maharashtra.
As the election nears, the stakes are high, with Pawar and his allies rallying for support against former members of their own party who have joined the rival camp