Former BJP MLA Bapusaheb Pathare joins Sharad Pawar's NCP

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 18 (ANI): Former BJP MLA from Vadgaon Sheri constituency Bapusaheb Tukaram Pathare joined the Sharad Pawar faction of the Nationalist Congress Party at a public joining ceremony held at the Pawar's residence here on Wednesday.
Taking to social media site 'X', the NCP (Sharad Pawar) said that the joining ceremony was done in the presence of the NCP-SCP National President and MP Sharad Pawar, as well as the party's National Working President and MP Supriya Sule.
Pathare's son Surendra Pathare as well as former municipal councilors Mahadev Pathare, Mahendra Pathare, and Bhaiyasaheb Jadhav have also officially joined the party during the event.
"In the esteemed presence of the National President, Honourable Member of Parliament, Sharad Pawar, and the National Working President, MP Supriya Sule, a public joining ceremony was held today at Silver Oak. Former MLA from Vadgaon Sheri constituency, Bapusahab Pathare, along with his son, Surendra Pathare, former municipal councilors Mahadev Pathare, Mahendra Pathare, and Bhaiyasaheb Jadhav, officially joined the party. A warm welcome to all the dignitaries into the NCP family, and heartfelt wishes for their successful social and political journey ahead," the party said.
Earlier on September 10, NCP-SCP MLA Jayant Patil claimed that Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is now controlled by his consultants 'to a great extent'.
Speaking at a press conference, NCP-SCP leader Jayant Patil said, "Ajit Pawar is not the same anymore; I don't know if his nature has changed or not but he has hired consultants for what to say in his speeches in front of the media; they have been given the responsibility by spending a lot of money."
He said that Ajit Pawar speaks in the way he is advised by his consultants. "He (Ajit Pawar) speaks in the manner he is advised," Jayant Patil added.
"The branding work has been done on a large scale. What he (Ajit Pawar) is saying now is not on his wish, the consultant is controlling him to a great extent," NCP (SCP) MLA Jayant Patil stated.
This comes after Ajit Pawar's recent statement during one of his 'Jan Samman Yatras' that society does not like rifts in families. (ANI)