MLA Uttam Jindh Takeen on Thursday advocated a merger with the rival Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and joining the ruling coalition.
Jana, who represented Malashiras assembly constituency in Solapur district, said that he and three other MLAs of the region have conveyed their views to party supremo Sharad Pawar.
Knowing said, “We four MLAs of Solapur have discussed the matter with (state unit chief) Jayant Patil and they have made Pawar Saheb (Sharad Pawar) aware of our views. We have collective view that the two groups should come together and be part of the ruling (BJP -led) alliance. Whether it is MLA or MP, we have been partying.”
He said, “If this happens, the grassroots workers will be able to work unitedly. The reunion will be welcomed and this will strengthen the party.” The NCP established by Sharad Pawar was torn in July 2023 when Ajit Pawar and his loyal MLAs joined the ruling alliance of BJP and Shiv Sena.
Knowing BJP’s defeating Ram Satpute by more than 13,000 votes in Malasiras, later led the protests by the residents of Markdwadi village demanding a re -voting at their polling station. The villagers doubted EVMs and claimed that Satpute in the village got more votes.
Meanwhile, the MLA praised Ajit Pawar and said that despite political differences during the election campaign, he helped solve the water problem in the region. Knowing said, “I had contacted Ajit Dada for some development works and gave positive response. It would be good for both NCP to unite again, but whatever decision will be made (Sharad) Pawar Saheb will be acceptable.”
Knowing the reasons behind some NCP (SP) MLAs’s desire to join the ruling side, said, “Every MLA wants development in his constituency. Support from the government is necessary for various tasks.”