NCP MLA Atul Benke’s Meeting With Sharad Pawar Fuels Political Speculation

In a move that has sparked political speculation, NCP MLA Atul Benke from Junnar met with NCP President Sharad Pawar on Saturday, hinting at possible future political alignments ahead of the October state Assembly polls.

Benke stated, “Anything can happen in politics… one cannot say. Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar may also come together before the upcoming elections…”

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Sharad Pawar downplayed the meeting, citing Benke’s work for NCP in the last Lok Sabha elections and assured protection of his interests. However, NCP President and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar seemed unconcerned, attributing the meeting to poll ticket aspirations.

“Many people come to meet me. What’s new in this? He is the son of my friend (the late legislator Vallabh Benke). If there’s any politics in this it will be known at the appropriate time,” Pawar stated with a grin.

The meeting has raised eyebrows in political circles, with NCP (SP) state President Jayant Patil and others hinting at over a dozen MLAs from the ruling MahaYuti side exploring ‘ghar-wapasi’ options. The political landscape in Maharashtra is heating up ahead of the elections, with intriguing developments and alliances being forged.