Raje Samarjeet Ghatge Joins Nationalist Congress Party

Raje Samarjeet Ghatge, a BJP leader from Kolhapur, has joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar. He made the switch at a public meeting in Kagal, citing interest in the Kagal-Gadhinglaj area and upcoming assembly elections. Sources say he was keen to contest from Kagal, a seat held by Ajit Pawar's NCP.

Raje Samarjeet Ghatge, a prominent BJP leader from Kolhapur district, officially joined the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) led by Sharad Pawar during a public meeting held in Kagal on Tuesday.

The event drew attention as Ghatge had announced his decision last month, highlighting his interest in the Kagal-Gadhinglaj area and the forthcoming assembly elections.

Reports from insiders reveal Ghatge's ambition to contest the Kagal seat, currently represented by state minister Hasan Mushrif of Ajit Pawar's NCP, spurred him to switch parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)