Jayant Patil Jokingly Deflects CM Speculation, Criticises Mahayuti Government at Party’s Shiv Swarajya Rally

Sangli:

The Shiv Swarajya Yatra of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction) recently concluded with a major rally in the Sangli’s Islampur assembly constituency, home to NCP (SP) state president Jayant Patil. The event drew significant attention, with Sharad Pawar hinting at Patil as a potential Chief Minister candidate, but it was Patil’s own remarks that sparked widespread interest in the rally.

During the rally, Sharad Pawar, while addressing the crowd, subtly suggested Jayant Patil’s possible elevation to the state CM post, appealing to the voters of Patil’s Islampur assembly constituency to stand with him. This created a buzz among supporters, who began giving slogans in favour of Patil as the “future CM of Maharashtra when he stood for his speech.

But, when Jayant Patil took the stage, he playfully quieted the enthusiastic supporters, saying, “Nobody can become CM by giving slogans. For this, one has to do a lot of sit-ups.” His humorous remark sent the audience into fits of laughter, momentarily deflecting the speculation about his future political role.

Patil then shifted the focus to the party’s resilience, addressing the challenges NCP (SP) faced after its split. “When our party split, we were mocked, and people said we wouldn’t even find enough supporters to campaign. But Sharad Pawar’s charisma is such that many things happened after that. There is no district or taluka now in the state where there is no party worker who believes in Sharad Pawar,” Patil said.

Further, Patil didn’t shy away from criticising the ruling Mahayuti government, accusing them of mishandling the state’s development. Patil said, “Maharashtra’s agricultural sector has fallen to sixth place. The state has amassed a debt of Rs 8 lakh crore, and when the Mahayuti government is ousted, that figure will be Rs 9.5 lakh crore.” He also slammed the government for deteriorating law and order, stating, “MLAs are openly wielding guns inside police stations, and the police are being threatened by them.”

In his speech, Patil mocked government schemes like “Ladki Bahin” and “Ladka Bhau,” likening them to “Putana Mavshi’s love,” a reference to a deceptive mythological figure. He urged voters to remember the NCP (SP) party symbol, a man blowing a turha, and to spread its symbols across Maharashtra. Patil further in his speech also referred to Sharad Pawar, his political mentor, as his godfather, saying he has come so far in his journey only because of the blessings of Sharad Pawar.