Rahul Narvekar joins NCP, gets Maval Lok Sabha seat

The Shiv Sena suffered a setback on Monday when its spokesperson, Rahul Narvekar, defected to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). Within hours of joining the NCP, Narvekar was given a party ticket to contest from Maval Lok Sabha constituency in the Pune-Raigad region.

Only recently, Narvekar was fielded by the Sena for the legislative council elections, but he abruptly pulled out of the race much to consternation of the Sena leadership.
Narvekar, 38, who is NCP leader and Maratha strongman Ramraje Nimbalkar's son-in-law, was welcomed into the NCP fold by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar and NCP state working president Jitendra Ahwad.

"I did not withdraw from the council poll race, but was forced to do so by the Sena leadership. Actually, I had a very good chance of getting elected. But Sena's leadership, which is weak, did not extend its wholehearted support. I don't know why the Sena leaders victimised me," said Narvekar.

However, sources in the Sena said the party was tipped off about Narvekar's plans to ditch the organisation by persons close to him.

Narvekar, who is an advocate, said he worked for the Sena for more than15 years and yet the party did not recognise his value and talent. "I was going through very adverse circumstances so decided to leave the Sena and join the NCP. I am confident that in NCP, I will get more scope and space to grow as a leader," he said.

Before joining NCP, Narvekar had called on NCP chief Sharad Pawar who approved his candidature for Maval constituency after taking local party activists into confidence. There was speculation that independent MLA Laxman Jagtap would be nominated by the NCP. However, the NCP changed its decision after studying the local situation. As a result, Jagtap joined 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 said even though Jagtap is contesting on a PWP ticket, he continues to have strong personal ties with NCP leaders. "It is a win-win situation for the NCP. 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 one lakh people," an NCP leader told dna on Monday.

Ajit Pawar said they are very confident about Narvekar's victory. "He is a double graduate, who will find favour with the educated class. Coupled with this is the NCP's sizable presence in the constituency," he added.

NCP minister Gavit may join BJP
NCP state minister Vijaykumar Gavit, who belongs to the scheduled tribe from Nandurbar, may join the BJP. Gavit is very keen on his daughter Heena getting the BJP's Lok Sabha ticket. However, NCP chief Sharad Pawar categorically told Gavit such anti-party activities would not be tolerated. Ajit Pawar warned that if Gavit indulges in anti-party activities, then he would be immediately expelled and stripped of his ministership.
Recently, Vinayak Mete, NCP legislator, 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.