In a significant political development, two loyalists of Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) legislator Jitendra Awhad switched sides to the Ajit Pawar camp. Abhijit Pawar and Hemant Wani, known for their staunch loyalty to Awhad, officially joined the Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Tuesday (PICS/NCP)
Updated On: 2025-02-18 09:07 PM IST
Compiled by : Divya Nair
The move is seen as a major blow to Awhad, who has been an influential figure in the Thane-Mumbra region. Both Abhijit Pawar and Wani have been close allies of Awhad and were instrumental in managing the political affairs in the region
Along with Abhijit Pawar and Wani, hundreds of youth workers from Thane and Mumbra also joined the NCP during a ceremony held at the Women’s Development Centre in Thane, in the presence of the Maharashtra Deputy CM
The NCP chief also reassured that the 'Ladki Bahin Yojana', a popular scheme benefiting women across the state, will continue
During the event, Congress leader Chandrakant Dayaman, also joined NCP, further strengthening the party's presence in the region
NCP leaders, including treasurer and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Shivajirao Garje, Chief Spokesperson and Thane District President Anand Paranjpe, State General Secretary Najib Mulla, Youth State President Suraj Chavan, State Vice-President Saleem Sarang, and Co-Treasurer Sanjay Borge, were present for the event