Atul Benke's Meeting with Sharad Pawar Sparks Speculation Amid NCP Split

Atul Benke, an MLA from the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), met with Sharad Pawar, president of the opposing NCP faction, sparking speculation about potential political realignments. The meeting took place at the residence of NCP (SP) leader Amol Kolhe, following key resignations within the party.

Atul Benke, an MLA of the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), met with NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday, igniting rumors of potential shifts within the party.

The meeting occurred at the residence of Shirur MP and NCP (SP) leader Amol Kolhe and followed the recent resignations of Pimpri-Chinchwad unit chief Ajit Gavhane and two former corporators.

Asked about the meeting, Sharad Pawar played down its significance, stating, 'Several people come to meet me. He is my friend's son.' Benke, too, remained non-committal regarding his future political alignments ahead of the Maharashtra assembly elections, leaving room for speculation.