Pune: Mahayuti’s Post-Election Struggles: MLA Sunil Shelke Hints at Potential Departure from NCP
Talegaon Dabhade, 8th June 2024: After the Lok Sabha elections, Mahayuti underperformed in Maharashtra compared to the Mahavikas Aghadi, securing only 17 seats while the Mahavikas Aghadi initially won 30 seats, with one independent candidate also joining their ranks. Following Mahayuti’s disappointing performance, Sunil Shelke, the MLA representing Ajit Pawar’s Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maval, spoke to the media for the first time, hinting at the possibility of leaving Ajit Pawar’s NCP for personal interest.
Mahayuti MLA Shelke stated, “My name is not on the return journey. The people of Maval elected me and made me popular. Over the past four and a half years, Ajit Pawar has encouraged me to maintain my credibility. If personal interests conflict, I may depart from Ajit Pawar. However, I am inclined to remain loyal to him.”
He continued, “The opposition’s false campaign accusing us of engaging in caste politics and planning to amend the constitution has negatively impacted us. The upcoming Vidhan Sabha elections will present a different scenario, and we anticipate success. We have not encountered internal conflicts or issues. Our hope is for Maval MP Shrirang Barne to receive a cabinet ministry, and we will advocate for this demand. If he becomes a minister, it will satisfy us.”