New Delhi, December 12, 2024 – NCP leaders Ajit Pawar and Praful Patel arrived in Delhi for a key meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and senior BJP officials. The discussions were held in the context of ongoing political developments in Maharashtra, particularly regarding the allocation of ministerial portfolios. Despite rumors of internal rifts within the ruling BJP-Shiv Sena-NCP alliance, Patel dismissed concerns, stating that the issue had been resolved after multiple rounds of meetings between alliance leaders.
The two NCP leaders were accompanied by senior party members, though Hasan Mushrif was not part of the discussions with BJP leaders. Patel clarified that their visit was a “courtesy call” and downplayed speculation regarding political maneuvering. He also mentioned that a cabinet expansion in Maharashtra was imminent and expected to take place within the next few days.
Patel and Ajit Pawar are also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an upcoming National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting, set for July 18, 2024.
