Pune: Sharad Pawar, leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar), delivered a sharp critique of the current political landscape in Indapur, without directly naming sitting MLA Dattatray Bharne.

Addressing a gathering, Pawar noted the presence of placards referring to a so-called "Malida Gang." He mentioned that he had encountered a similar group in Baramati and was informed by local officials about the existence of such a gang in Indapur as well.

"I have been in politics for 55 years, and during this time, I’ve come to know many officials in the administration. Some of them have told me it’s better not to speak about the current situation here," Pawar remarked, hinting at ongoing tensions and malpractices.

Pawar went on to recall how the NCP had provided numerous opportunities to the "colleague from Indapur", making him the chairman of the Chhatrapati Sugar Factory, the president of the Zilla Parishad, and eventually an MLA and a minister.

"However, upon visiting Indapur now, I realized the political environment has changed. The situation that has emerged in recent times is quite shocking, even to someone like me. Indapur's politics, under the leadership of Shankarrao Bhau, was always clean. He never considered the influence of money. But now, it seems some are trying to take Indapur’s politics in a different direction," Pawar lamented.

This development comes amidst a larger shift in Maharashtra's political dynamics. Many leaders from the ruling Mahayuti alliance are reportedly seeking entry into Sharad Pawar's NCP.

In a significant move, former BJP minister Harshavardhan Patil has left the BJP and joined the NCP. During Patil’s induction, state NCP president Jayant Patil also announced Harshavardhan Patil's candidacy from Indapur.