Former BJP MP Sanjay Kakade Joins NCP; Son Vikram to Contest MLC Polls

Pune, 1st June 2026: In a significant political development ahead of the Maharashtra Legislative Council elections, former Rajya Sabha MP and senior BJP leader Sanjay Kakade, considered a close associate of Chief Minister , formally joined the NCP on Monday along with his son Vikram Kakade.

The induction ceremony took place at Jijai bungalow, an official residence of party chief Sunetra Pawar in Pune. Vikram has been officially declared the candidate of NCP for Pune MLC seat.

Kakade’s exit from the BJP is being viewed as a setback for the party in Pune and parts of western Maharashtra, where he has long been regarded as an influential political strategist with strong organisational and electoral networks.

His move comes months after he publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the BJP’s internal functioning. Referring to factionalism within the party, Kakade had remarked that if members of his own party did not trust him, he had little reason to continue his association with them. Sources said he informed Chief Minister Fadnavis about his decision before making the switch.

Known for his organisational skills and political management, Kakade played a key role in the BJP’s performance in the 2017 Pune Municipal Corporation elections, when the party secured more than 90 seats. Political observers believe his departure could impact the BJP’s strategy in local body elections and other upcoming electoral contests in Pune district.

In a statement issued after the induction, NCP said the entry of Sanjay and Vikram Kakade would strengthen the party’s organisation in Pune city and district. The party expressed confidence that their experience and network would help expand the NCP’s presence in the region.