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Thane: Two key confidants of NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad joined the Ajit Pawar-led NCP on Tuesday. They cited lack of funds for local development and pressure from police cases as triggers for making the switch.
Ajit Pawar inducted Awhad’s business associate and his one-time personal assistant, Abhijit Pawar, along with Hemant Wani in Mumbai. Without naming Awhad, Pawar blamed the legislator as the sole reason for the mass exodus from the NCP (SP). Abhijit said, “There are several development works pending in my area which need funds. One needs to be with the ruling party to complete these… I took on a lot of issues [police cases] as I was close to him [Awhad]… However, now I’m free….” Abhijit was exiled from Thane district after he and a few Awhad supporters allegedly assaulted a now-retired municipal official two years ago outside the civic headquarters. As Wani and Abhijit Pawar were preparing to contest the municipal elections, their sudden exit may dent the prospects of NCP (SP) in the Thane municipality. Local NCP (SP) leaders, however, denied any impact.
It is learnt that state NCP functionaries Najeeb Mulla and Anand Paranjape – once allies and now political rivals – were instrumental in encouraging the duo to switch loyalties to the Ajit Pawar camp.
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