By Tejas

Pune, August 23, 2024: Amid growing challenges for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) following a significant defeat in the recent Lok Sabha elections, the party faces yet another hurdle: a series of defections by prominent leaders ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. The exodus, which has raised concerns within the party, has prompted a response from the BJP's Maharashtra state president, Chandrashekhar Bawankule.

Commenting on the defections, Bawankule acknowledged the situation, stating, "No one can stop those who want to leave." His remarks were made in response to speculations about the possible defection of Harshvardhan Patil, a senior BJP leader from Indapur, to the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction).

The issue of defections has become increasingly pressing as key leaders within the BJP contemplate their future within the party. One such leader, Samarjeet Ghadge, who is considered a close ally of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, today held a meeting with his supporters in Kagal.

Ghadge, who had aspirations to contest from the Kagal constituency, is reportedly dissatisfied with the BJP's seat-sharing arrangement within the Mahayuti alliance. The seat has been allocated to the NCP's Hasan Mushrif, leading Ghadge to consider joining the NCP (SP). Reports suggest that Ghadge may officially make the switch on September 3.

Similarly, Harshvardhan Patil from Indapur is also rumoured to be exploring options with the NCP (SP). Under Mahayuti's seat-sharing formula, the Indapur seat is expected to be allocated to the NCP's Datta Bharne, leaving Patil with limited options within the BJP. Despite the uncertainty, Bawankule urged Patil to exercise patience while acknowledging that the party cannot prevent those determined to leave.

Although there has been no official confirmation of Patil's defection, speculation has intensified following reports that he recently met with NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar.