In a recent development, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP in Maharashtra and Lakshadweep is strategically contesting five seats under the 'clock' symbol, having relinquished its claim over the Satara seat to the BJP. Despite this concession, the party has secured an additional seat in the Rajya Sabha through astute negotiations during the seat-sharing process.
Praful Patel, the party's working president, revealed this information during an informal interaction with reporters following the unveiling of the party's manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. NCP's candidates are vying for victory in the Baramati, Shirur, Raigad, and Dharashiv constituencies.
"While it's true that we ceded the Satara seat to the BJP, we negotiated effectively to secure an additional Rajya Sabha seat for the NCP," explained Patel. He elaborated that this seat was secured through discussions, wherein it was agreed that after the election of the incumbent and Union Minister Piyush Goyal from Mumbai North constituency, the NCP would be entitled to two Rajya Sabha seats. One of these seats was vacated following Patel's resignation, despite having a term until 2028. Patel was re-elected to the Upper House under the NCP's banner for a six-year term extending to 2030.
Addressing the distribution of seats in Maharashtra, Patel justified the NCP's claim to four seats, leaving Parbhani to the MahaYuti partner Rashtriya Samaj Paksha, led by Mahadev Jankar. "Previously, the NCP had only one seat in Raigad held by Sunil Tatkare. Now, with our strategic decisions, we have secured four seats," Patel emphasized.
Regarding the Nashik seat, Patel mentioned that while senior party minister Chhagan Bhujbal has opted out of the electoral race, discussions are ongoing with the BJP and Shiv Sena regarding the seat.
In another significant development, Mushtaq Antulay, son-in-law of former Maharashtra Chief Minister AR Antulay and former Congress legislator, joined the NCP. His induction into the party was marked by the presence of key figures including Ajit Pawar, Praful Patel, Sunil Tatkare, and Chhagan Bhujbal. Antulay's entry into the party adds to its strength, particularly in Raigad district, where Tatkare is contesting against Shiv Sena's nominee Anant Geete.
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