In a significant political shift, Congress MLA Hiraman Bhika Khoskar from Igatpuri has joined the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.
Khoskar and his supporters officially made the transition at a ceremony held at Ajit Pawar’s residence in Mumbai on Monday. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and State NCP President Sunil Tatkare were present to welcome Khoskar into the party.
An NCP statement confirmed that Khoskar joined the party along with several supporters, including former Zila Parishad member Sampatnana Sakale. The party emphasized that this marks another significant addition to its ranks, following the recent joining of veteran actor Sayaji Shinde.
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The NCP highlighted that Khoskar’s membership will strengthen the party’s presence in Nashik and surrounding areas as the elections approach. “Khoskar enjoys considerable support in the Nashik region, particularly within the tribal community,” the statement noted.
In a related post on X, the NCP announced the joining of multiple other members, including former zilla parishad members and district officials. Notable names included Sandeep Gopal Gulve, Jarnadan Mama Mali, Uday Jadhav, and several others.
The post asserted, “With the entry of Khoskar, the strength of the NCP party has increased.”
The Maharashtra Assembly elections will take place in 288 constituencies, although the Election Commission of India has yet to announce the specific dates.
The upcoming elections are expected to feature a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition—comprising the Shiv Sena-UBT, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress—and the Mahayuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction).
