4 ex-MLAs from Sangli district set to join Ajit Pawar-led NCP today

KOLHAPUR: Four ex-MLAs from Sangli district are going to join NCP today in Mumbai. After the split in NCP, most politicians stayed with the Sharad Pawar faction.
However, after the results of the assembly election last year, politicians are switching sides. This is being seen as a big setback to NCP(SP) state chief Jayant Patil, who comes from Sangli district.
Speaking to TOI, NCP politician Padmakar Jagdale said, "We are on our way to Mumbai. The function will take place in a hotel. Shirala's ex-MLA Shivajirao Naik, Atpadi's ex-MLA Rajendra Anna Deshmukh, ex-MLA of Jat Vilasrao Jagtap and his supporter Tamangouda Ravi, and ex-MLA of Kavathe Mahankal Ajit Ghorpade, along with a few other leaders from Sangli district, are going to join our party. They are joining the party without expecting any position or benefit."
Jitendra Awhad aides had previously joined Ajit Pawar camp, citing lack of funds
Two key confidants of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad previously joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on Feb 18, 2025.
They cited lack of funds for local development and pressure from police cases as triggers for making the switch. Ajit Pawar inducted Awhad's business associate and his one-time personal assistant, Abhijit Pawar, along with Hemant Wani in Mumbai. Without naming Awhad, Pawar blamed the legislator as the sole reason for the mass exodus from the NCP (SP).
Abhijit said, "There are several development works pending in my area which need funds. One needs to be with the ruling party to complete these... I took on a lot of issues [police cases] as I was close to him [Awhad]… However, now I'm free...."
Abhijit was exiled from Thane district after he and a few Awhad supporters allegedly assaulted a now-retired municipal official two years ago outside the civic headquarters. As Wani and Abhijit Pawar were preparing to contest the municipal elections, their sudden exit may dent the prospects of NCP (SP) in the Thane municipality. Local NCP (SP) leaders, however, denied any impact.
It is learnt that state NCP functionaries Najeeb Mulla and Anand Paranjape – once allies and now political rivals – were instrumental in encouraging the duo to switch loyalties to the Ajit Pawar camp.