Ajit Pawar-led NCP MLA meets NCP(SP) supremo Sharad Pawar, sparks speculations

The meeting of NCP MLA Atul Benke with Sharad Pawar comes days after the Maharashtra's Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal met the NCP (SP) chief at his Mumbai bungalow.

Mumbai: In what triggered speculations, NCP MLA Atul Benke, who is considered close to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, met NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Saturday. 

Benke, MLA from the Junnar constituency, met Sharad Pawar at the Pune residence of Shirur NCP (SP) MP Dr Amol Kolhe. 

Over the past few weeks there have been speculations about a possible homecoming of Ajit Pawar. The NCP top leadership has, however, denied it. 

The meeting of Benke with Pawar comes days after the state’s Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Minister Chhagan Bhujbal met the NCP (SP) chief at his Mumbai bungalow. 

“Anything can happen in politics… one cannot say anything… Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar may also come together before the upcoming elections", said Benke.

When queried, Sharad Pawar said, "Many people come to meet me. What’s new in this? He is the son of my friend (late MLA Vallabh Benke). If there’s any politics in this it will be known at the appropriate time".

When asked about the meeting, Ajit Pawar said, "If somebody goes to meet someone, what can we do?… many MLAs meet me also".

"It was not a political meeting and nothing much should be read into it", said Dr Kolhe.