Pune: MLA Rohit Pawar on Wednesday claimed that senior leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare along with 22 MLAs of the rival NCP would contest the next elections on BJP tickets.
A Nationalist Congress Party spokesperson, however, dismissed his claim and said the party was united under Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar's leadership.
Rohit Pawar, MLA from Karjat-Jamkhed, met Pune Rural Superintendent of Police Sandip Gill to discuss the law and order issues in Pune's Baramati Tehsil which is also the political bastion of the Pawar family.
Talking to reporters, Pawar said, "Drugs are being sold in large quantities in Baramati area. A few days ago, a huge amount of cannabis was seized. Local political leaders are reportedly hosting (drug) parties. Traders in Baramati are being threatened and money is being extorted from them, today we met the SP. Discussions were held regarding drugs and the safety of girls."
Asked about the status of Tatkare and Patel in the rival Nationalist Congress Party, he said, "No matter what happens, they are going to contest from the BJP. They have made their decision and so have other 22 MLAs. Along with them, some MLAs of Eknath Shinde have also made up their minds (to cross over to the BJP)."
Both the Sunetra Pawar-led NCP and Shinde-led Shiv Sena are part of the BJP-led ruling alliance in Maharashtra.
When asked for a reaction, NCP spokesperson Anand Paranjpe said Rohit Pawar was only seeking publicity.
"The NCP is united under Sunetra Pawar's leadership. Sunil Tatkare and Praful Patel are respected leaders of the party. There is no resentment in the ranks," he added.
