NCP is also reviewing the political situation

New Delhi, June 8: National Congress Party (NCP) is also getting prepared for 2014 Lok Sabha election. NCP chief Sharad Pawar met ministers from the state on Friday to discuss the preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and review the political situation.

Sources said that NCP Chief will accept the resignations of those whom he wanted to draft into the party organisation or to contest the Lok Sabha polls. This is indicating toward a big shuffle on the level of state government and NCP before the Lok Sabha and assembly polls due next year. Sharad Pawar had taken the resignations of all his party ministers. Sharad Pawar met ministers from the state on Friday to discuss the preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls and review the political situation. There is also a news through a source that Pawar will accept the resignations of those whom he wanted to draft into the party organisation or to contest the Lok Sabha polls.

There is also a speculation that Gulabrao Deokar, minister of state may also get rid as he is being considered for the Lok Sabha polls or for organisational responsibilities. He may also be asked to make way for others in the NCP’s Kamraj Plan. The NCP has 15 cabinet ministers and five ministers of state in the state council of ministers. There are indications that the state party chief, senior leader Madhukarrao Pichad, may have to make way for a fresh and younger face.

Home minister RR Patil, irrigation minister Sunil Tatkare and minister of state Bhaskar Jadhav are some names who are doing the rounds as a replacement for Pichad. Apart from MLA Vallabh Benke, Shashikant Shinde may also be inducted into the cabinet. The NCP is considering fielding PWD minister Chhagan Bhujbal (Nashik), rural development minister Jayant Patil (Hatkanangale), public works (public undertakings) minister Jaidutt Kshirsagar (Beed) and Ramraje Naik Nimbalkar (Satara or Madha) for the Lok Sabha to increase its tally in the lower house of Parliament and ensure better bargaining power in case of a fractured mandate.

Bureau Report