In a major setback to the Shiv Sena, its spokesperson, Rahul Narvekar, defected to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of which his father-in-law and Maratha strongman Ramraje Nimbalkar is a member. Within hours of him joining the NCP, Narvekar was given the party ticket to contest the Lok Sabha polls from the Maval constituency in the Pune-Raigad region.
Only recently, the Sena had fielded Narvekar, 38, for the legislative council elections, but he abruptly pulled out of the race much to consternation of the Sena leadership. Narvekar claims he was victimised by Sena leaders. "I did not withdraw from the council polls race, but was forced to do so by the Sena leadership. I had a very good chance of getting elected, but the Sena's leadership, which is weak, did not extend its wholehearted support to me. I don't know why the Sena leaders victimised me," Narvekar told dna.
However, sources in the Sena said people close to Narvekar tipped off the party about his plan to ditch the organisation.
Narvekar, an advocate with a lucrative practice, is not amused. He said he worked for the Sena for more than 15 years, but the party did not value him. "I was going through very adverse circumstances and so, I decided to leave the Sena. I am confident that I will get more scope and space to grow as a leader in the NCP," he said.
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and NCP state working president Jitendra Ahwad are only too happy to have Narvekar in the party. Before joining the NCP, Narvekar had called on party chief Sharad Pawar, who approved of his candidature from Maval. There was speculation that independent MLA Laxman Jagtap would be nominated by the party, but the NCP changed its decision after studying the local situation.
Jagtap has now switched over to the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP) and has been nominated as its official candidate for the Maval seat. The sprawling Maval constituency comprises Kharghar, Panvel, Uran, Pimpri-Chinchwad and other areas. Sources told dna that Jagtap continues to have strong personal ties with NCP leaders. "It is a win-win situation for the NCP as no matter who wins, he will be close to the party. Narvekar is from Mumbai and has no base in Maval. In sharp contrast, Jagtap has a solid network of supporters in the constituency. He recently organised a rally which was attended by over 1 lakh people," an NCP leader told dna.
Ajit Pawar said the party is very confident about Narvekar's victory. "He is a double graduate, who will find favour with the educated class. Also, the NCP has a sizeable presence in the constituency," he said.
NCP stern on Gavit, but soft on Vinayak Mete
NCP state minister Vijaykumar Gavit, who belongs to the scheduled tribe from Nandurbar, may join the BJP. Gavit is very keen that his daughter Heena gets a Lok Sabha ticket from the BJP. However, Sharad Pawar categorically told Gavit that such anti-party activities will not be tolerated. Ajit Pawar warned that if Gavit indulges in anti-party activities, he will be expelled from the NCP immediately and stripped of his ministership. Recently, NCP legislator Vinayak Mete also spoke against the NCP on the Maratha reservation issue. However, the party is going soft on him since he has a good base among Marathas.
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