Rohit Pawar’s close aide joins BJP ahead of Maharashtra polls

NASHIK: The state BJP has struck back at NCP (SCP) by inducting its MLA from Ahmednagar's Karjat-Jamkhed constituency Rohit Pawar's trusted lieutenant Madhukar Ralebhat.

Two days ago, the party's state president Jayant Patil had inducted cabinet minister Girish Mahajan's close aide and BJP functionary from Jalgaon Dilip Khodpe into the party with plans to field him against Mahajan in Jamner constituency.

Rohit is Sharad Pawar's grandnephew and made his electoral debut from Karjat-Jamkhed constituency in 2019. Ralebhat played a big role in Rohit's victory against BJP's Ram Shinde who was the sitting MLA.

BJP also inducted Sanjay Kasheed and Suraj Kale, two prominent Shiv Sena (UBT) faces from the constituency. Deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Ahmednagar guardian minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, and Shinde were present for the induction in Mumbai on Monday.

Fadnavis said that Ralebhat as a grassroots worker was instrumental in cementing NCP (SCP)'s base in Karjat-Jamkhed.

"Now that he has joined BJP, I am confident that it will help us wrest the seat. Our govt has been implementing several schemes and won the trust of the people. The coalition will win the assembly poll," he said.

Ralebhat recently resigned from NCP (SCP), accusing Pawar of ‘not doing enough' for development in the constituency and ignoring the party cadre. Ahmednagar NCP (SCP) unit denied the allegations.

Shinde, who is close to Fadnavis, wooed the trio. "These three politicians from Karjat-Jamkhed have been the face of MVA in that constituency. BJP will emerge stronger with their induction," Shinde, who is likely to contest against Rohit, said.

Ralebhat said he joined BJP as he is keen to see the constituency's development. "The party will decide the candidate in the constituency. But I will give my 100% for BJP's victory," he added.