Davkhare joins BJP, another NCP leader could follow

After resigning from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), former member of legislative council (MLC), Niranjan Davkhare on Thursday joined the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). Following Davkhare, another NCP MLC Narendra Patil may also join the ruling party by next month. Speculations are rife that Patil, a labour leader, is in touch with state BJP leadership and is seriously considering the offer.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis too hinted that many more leaders are keen to join the BJP. His comments were made at the event organised to welcome Davkhare into the party. State BJP president Raosaheb Danve and other senior leaders of the party too were present at the event.

Patil is a known union leader working for the cause of Mathadi workers’ in the state. He is currently an MLC from NCP and his term is set to end in July this year. He was also seen outside the BJP headquarters along with Davkhare where the latter had come to formally join the party.

A leader close to Patil confirmed that the MLC has got an offer from the BJP and is considering it seriously. “He is likely to make the decision by June,” he said.

When asked, Patil said, “I share very good rapport with the chief minister as he always gives priority to the issues related to Mathadi workers. But the rumour about me joining BJP is not true.” He also clarified that Davkhare and he are very good friends and thus he had gone to see him off at the BJP office.

If he decides to jump ship, Patil will join the league of several other senior NCP leaders who have joined BJP in the last four years since the party came to power in 2014. Former minister Dr Vijaykumar Gavit, his daughter and MP Heena Gavit, former ministers Babanrao Pachpute, Sanjay Savkare, Suresh Dhas and MP Sanjay Kaka Patil have left NCP to join BJP.

Meanwhile, BJP also declared Davkhare as its candidate for the biennial elections for the seat slated on June 8. “We have recommended his name as our candidate for the biennial elections to central leadership,” Fadnavis told reporters.