Harshwardhan Patil joins NCP in Pune, supports Supriya Sule

In Maharashtra, Harshwardhan Patil, a former BJP leader and cabinet minister, has joined the NCP Sharad Pawar faction, revealing that he secretly assisted Supriya Sule during her Lok Sabha campaign for Baramati. Patil, a prominent figure in the sugar lobby, aims to contest the upcoming elections from the Indapur assembly constituency. His induction into the NCP was marked by a meeting with Sharad Pawar, who expressed support for Patil's political ambitions and hinted at a ministerial role post-elections. Patil's decision to switch parties comes after years of collaboration with Sharad Pawar, emphasizing a shared commitment to agricultural policy and rural development. He acknowledged the strong backing from party workers, which influenced his choice to join the NCP SP. The party is expected to announce its candidates following a seat-sharing agreement within the MVA coalition. The political landscape in Maharashtra has been dynamic, with the MVA coalition recently achieving significant electoral success, winning 31 out of 48 Lok Sabha seats. Patil's move is seen as a strategic alignment with the NCP, which has a strong influence in the region, particularly among sugarcane farmers. Sharad Pawar's welcoming remarks highlighted Patil's dedication to the welfare of farmers, indicating that this political shift is not just about Indapur but has broader implications for the agricultural sector in Maharashtra and beyond.