From the past several days, speculation has been rife in political circles that Jayant Patil, the state president and senior leader of the NCP Sharad Pawar faction, is unhappy with the party's current situation. At a recent gathering of the faction, there were even demands to replace the state president. Once again, questions are being raised about what exactly is on Jayant Patil’s mind, especially after his latest statement, which has sparked renewed discussions in political circles.
Farmers from Sangli and Kolhapur districts have been protesting at Azad Maidan under the banner of the Shakti Peeth Mahamarg Anti-Highway Struggle Committee. Jayant Patil recently visited the protest site to interact with the demonstrators. However, it was his statement during this visit that caught everyone's attention.
"Don't take my guarantee. Nothing I have is permanent. Since you have doubts about me, it would be risky for me to give you any guarantee," Patil said, raising eyebrows and fueling further speculation about his political future. Following Patil’s statement, Ajit Pawar faction leader Hasan Mushrif** made a significant claim about the NCP leader's state of mind. "Jayant Patil has been upset ever since the assembly elections. He once told me in Nagpur, ‘Mushrif Saheb, no one cares about me.’ Perhaps he now realizes how difficult it is to sustain the party for five years while being out of power. Whether he will reconsider his stance or not is something only he can answer," Mushrif remarked.
On the Shakti Peeth Highway issue, Mushrif clarified his position, stating that he stands with the farmers. However, he hinted at a shift in their stance. "I am with the farmers, but if they decide to change their position, I have no choice. Suddenly, some farmers are stepping forward in support. It is ultimately up to them to decide what course of action they wish to take," he said.