Sanjay Shirsat hints at ‘earthquake’ in NCP(SP), says Jayant Patil to leave party for Ajit’s NCP

Speaking to journalists at a press conference, Mr. Shirsat said, “I have said this in the past and I am saying again that Jayant Patil has made up his mind to leave the NCP(SP) and join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP
| Photo Credit: EMMANUALYOGINI

Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Friday (March 14, 2025) claimed that senior leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (SP), Jayant Patil, will soon “cause an earthquake in his party” by joining the NCP led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference, Mr. Shirsat said, “I have said this in the past and I am saying again that Jayant Patil has made up his mind to leave the NCP(SP) and join the Ajit Pawar-led NCP. He has been having these thoughts for a long time and when the day of his exit from the NCP(SP) arrives, there will be an earthquake in the party.”

Mr. Patil is considered to be close to NCP(SP) chief Sharad Pawar. Mr. Patil’s recent statement, where he said there was nothing certain about him, had sparked a round of speculations of his exit from the NCP(SP). 

Baramati MP and NCP(SP) leader Supriya Sule called Mr. Shirsat’s claims a flattering compliment and said, “Despite having huge organisational strength, they [Ajit Pawar’s NCP] need Jayant Patil.” 

NCP leader and Minister Hasan Mushrif said, “It is quite clear that Jayant Patil has been upset with the NCP(SP) and he is aware that it is not possible to stay in the NCP(SP) and survive in politics for the next five years.”  

Congress legislature party leader Vijay Wadettiwar said it was evident that Mr. Patil, who heads the State unit of the NCP(SP), has been upset for the past few days. 

“We can only guess what he wants to say. I am not sure of the motive behind his statement. He is a senior politician, an eight-term MLA and has held responsible positions,” Mr. Wadettiwar said.